Volunteer Research Opportunities

Approved Opportunities for Participating in Clinical Research

If you would like to participate in clinical research, please browse the list below for opportunities that you may be eligible for.

Study Location
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI

Research Objectives
Powered leg prostheses can greatly assist individuals with above-knee amputations, but these devices are currently designed for a limited set of activities. This study aims to validate a new way to control powered prosthetic devices to restore walking ability in many different activities.

The study protocol will require participants to walk with their existing prosthesis and with an experimental powered prosthesis during sit-to-stand, level-ground walking, stair ascent/decent, and stepping over obstacles. This video demonstrates these activities: https://youtu.be/sBC12VDbaes

Eligibility Criteria

Participants may be eligible if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Adults between 18-70 years of age
  • Body weight is 250 lbs. or less
  • Has a single leg above-knee amputation or limb difference

Compensation Details

  • Participants will receive $40 per hour (2-3 sessions, 4 hours each)
  • Travel and lodging reimbursement may be available for eligible participants

Enrollment Closes
February 1, 2029

Time Commitment

  • Study will involve 2-3 sessions (with the option for additional sessions)
  • Each session will take no longer than 4 hours after setup

Contact Person
Robert Gregg, PhD | Email: rdgregg@umich.edu | Phone: 734-763-1156

How to Participate
Interested participants may enroll through the UMHealthResearch web posting here: https://UMHealthResearch.org/studies/HUM00230065. For questions about this study, please email UM-Locolab@umich.edu. Additional information can be found on the Recruitment Flyer.

Study Location
University of Maryland – College Park, MD

Research Objective
To determine if, in comparison to using a standard socket-based transfemoral prosthesis, an osseointegrated prosthesis reduces the metabolic cost of walking, improves the symmetry of walking gait and/or reduces loading of the intact limb and lower back

Eligibility Criteria
We are seeking individuals with unilateral (single leg) above-knee limb loss who walk with a prosthetic limb, either a traditional socket-based prosthesis or an osseointegrated (bone-anchored) prosthesis.

Additional eligibility criteria are:

  • Must be between 18-65 years of age
  • Must not be diagnosed with hypertension or metabolic syndrome
  • At least 18 months since most recent amputation or revision surgery
  • Must be cleared medically to walk with no assistance other than a prosthesis
  • Must not have any major chronic issues other than limb loss that affect walking ability
  • Must have at least six months experience with current prosthesis used for walking
  • Must be assigned a K-level 3 or 4

Compensation

  • Participants receive $500 cash immediately upon completing the study.
  • Additional lodging and travel compensation is available (some restrictions apply)

Enrollment Closes
6/30/2026

Time Commitment
2-hour session (in person)

Contact Person
Ross Miller | Email: rosshm@umd.edu | Phone: 413-259-5667

How to Participate
See recruitment flyer or contact Dr. Ross Miller

Study Location
University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, IL

Research Objective
The goal of this project is to assess the feasibility of maximizing user comfort by personalizing parameters of a novel ankle-foot prosthesis. Through this technology, we aim to enhance the understanding of ankle-foot parameters on socket pressure, user comfort, and perceived effort.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Adults between 18-75 years of age
  • Have single leg limb loss at the transtibial (below-knee) level
  • Leg amputation or revision surgery must have occurred at least 1 year ago
  • Must have the ability to walk unassisted for 20 minutes without undue fatigue or health risks
  • Must have habitual experience using a lower limb prosthesis for at least 6 months
  • Must have a comfortable prosthetic socket

Compensation
$100 per visit with parking reimbursement available

Enrollment Closes
01/31/2025

Time Commitment
4 in-person research sessions (2-3 hours per session)

Contact Person
Michael Jacobson | Email: mjacob38@uic.edu | Phone: 630-890-0837

How to Participate
Contact Michael Jacobson

Study Location

  • Richmond, VA 
  • San Antonio, TX 
  • Tampa, FL 
  • Travel funds provided

Research Objective
This study will determine how well upper-limb prosthesis users can do everyday activities and compare the abilities of people who use different types of prosthetic systems. We aim to better understand how different types of prostheses and terminal devices compare to each other and to help consumers and clinicians make informed choices about upper limb prosthetic devices. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Unilateral, Major Upper Limb Amputation (between the shoulder and wrist) 
  • Use a Body-Powered, Myoelectric, or Hybrid Prosthesis 
  • Understand study requirement & informed consent in English without an interpreter 
  • Must be at least 18 years of age 

Compensation

  • $90  

Enrollment Closes
June 30, 2024 

Time Commitment
4-hour session (in-person) 

Contact Person
John Davey – Email: John.Davey@va.gov

How to Participate
For more information please view our Recruitment Flyer. To determine if you are eligible, please contact the study Deputy Project Coordinator, John Davey at 401-273-7100 x16535 or email: John.Davey@va.gov 

Study Location
Online (University of Pittsburgh)

Research Objective
This survey is to determine the impact on physical function, emotional tole, energy cost, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain, general health, and health change in lower limb amputees associated with limb loss. The second aim of this survey is to examine the correlation between these outcomes and the age at which the amputation occurred.

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to complete this survey if:

  • You have a lower limb amputation
  • You are at least 18 years old

Compensation
There will be no compensation for completing this survey

Enrollment Closes
April 1, 2024

Time Commitment
Approximately 10 minutes.

Contact Person
Mark Livingstone | Email: mal396@pitt.edu

How to Participate
The survey can be completed online at: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_099YBmQnIYtkBeu.

Study Location
Louis Stokes Cleveland Medical Center – Cleveland, OH 

Research Objective
The goal of this study is to make upper limb prosthetic devices more natural and useful for Veterans who have lost an upper limb by providing proprioceptive feedback about prosthesis postures and movements. By doing this study we hope to characterize proprioceptive sensations elicited by peripheral nerve stimulation and investigate the mechanisms of stimulation-evoked proprioception. Participants do not need to be local to the Cleveland area. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a Veteran of the US military, age 18 or older 
  • Must have unilateral upper limb amputation above or belowtheelbow with fully healed and healthy surgical sites. 
  • Must have viable peripheral nerve function in the residual limb as well as volitional activity of the residual muscles in the amputated limb. 
  • Must be determined medically fit to undergo anesthesia. 
  • Must be fitted with a prosthesis by a CPO and have at least one month experience 
  • using the prosthesis. 
  • Must be willing and able to follow the study protocol.

Compensation

  • $50.00 per day (4-6 hours each day) in the lab once enrolled in the study. 
  • Travel can also be provided 

Enrollment Closes
09/01/2025

Time Commitment

  • Trial lasts approximately 18 months 
  • Participants come to the lab once every 45 days for 1-3 days of testing.

Contact Person
Chris Cowen | Email: Christine.Cowen@va.gov | Phone: 216-791-3800 ext. 63801 

How to Participate
Contact Chris Cowen

Study Location
Louis Stokes Cleveland Medical Center – Cleveland, OH 

Research Objective
The purpose of this study is to establish the feasibility of providing natural sensation indistinguishable from that of the intact limb to transtibial or transfemoral amputees without disrupting the central or peripheral nervous tissues. We intend to explore methods that will allow individuals with lower limb loss to feel foot-floor contact, discriminate the location and magnitude of applied pressures, and to sense changes in limb loading and position. This should improve balance, prevent falls, and reduce cognitive load by allowing individuals to negotiate uneven terrain with limited visual cues.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Adults age 18 or older 
  • Chronic, medically stable (> 3 months) unilateral transtibial or transfemoral amputation at the time of implant surgery 
  • Potential user of transtibial or transfemoral prostheses for standing or walking 
  • Viable target nerves in the lower extremity as determined by standard-of-care clinical tests of nerve conduction, response to stimulation, sensory evoked potentials (SEP) and the like 
  • Absence of autoimmune deficiencies, seizure disorders or cardiac abnormalities contraindicating stimulation

Compensation

  • $50.00 per day in the lab once enrolled in the study. 
  • Travel can also be provided 

Enrollment Closes
Dec 31, 2025 

Time Commitment

  • Trial lasts approximately 18 months 
  • Participants come to the lab once every 45 days for 1-3 days of testing.

Contact Person
Aarika Sheehan PT, DPT | Email: aarika.sheehan@va.gov | Phone: 216-791-3800 ext. 65832 

How to Participate
Contact Aarika Sheehan

Study Location
Online

Research Objective
This survey is designed to advance our knowledge on the health care disparities related to physical activity experienced by people living with limb loss and limb difference. If you choose to participate, you will be asked questions about your participation in physical activity and your experiences using assistive devices like prosthetics or orthotics.

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to complete this survey if

  • You have limb loss, limb difference, or limb impairment OR you are a parent responding on behalf of your child with limb loss, limb difference, or limb impairment
  • You live in the United States or a United States territory

Compensation

  • If you complete the survey, you can enter a raffle to win a $10 Amazon gift card

Enrollment Closes
March 31, 2024

Time Commitment

  • Approximately 10 minutes.

Contact Person
Natalie Harold | Email: research@amputee-coalition.org

How to Participate
The survey can be completed online at https://aopa.questionpro.com/physical-activity or via the QR code shown in the recruitment flyer.

Study Location
Louis Stokes Cleveland Medical Center – Cleveland, OH

Research Objective
The goal of this study is to understand the critical factors associated with outcome acceptance following upper limb loss and to understand the psychosocial experience of upper limb prosthesis use. We must understand the relationships between prosthesis functional and sensory capabilities, the subjective experience of the prosthesis, and outcome acceptance following limb loss, in order to provide better prosthetic device options and improve rehabilitation outcomes. Study results will enable clinicians and researchers to evaluate and predict patient outcomes following limb loss based on user priorities and to design interventions that improve outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be able to provide verbal informed consent
  • Must be able to speak and understand English
  • Must have acquired a single upper limb amputation of the forearm (transradial) or above-the-elbow (transhumeral).
  • Amputation must have occurred at least six months prior to study enrollment
  • Must be a current user of an upper limb prosthesis
  • Must have at least six months of experience using a prosthesis

Compensation

  • Up to $40 ($20 per phone call)

Enrollment Closes
December 31, 2024

Time Commitment

  • Phone Interview (1 hour)
  • Phone Survey (1 hour)

Contact Person
Jessica Jarvela | Phone: 216-791-3800 x 63801

How to Participate
See further instructions in the Recruitment Flyer.

Study Location
Penn Medicine Rittenhouse – Philadelphia, PA

Research Objective
This study will evaluate the feasibility and function of an adjustable socket for children ages 7-18 with lower limb loss through questionnaires, gait analysis and socket pressure data. Participants will be fit with an adjustable prosthesis for a home-trial lasting two-months. Participants will be evaluated using various data collection methods including surveys, gait analysis and pressure analysis technologies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be between 7-18 years of age
  • Have lower limb amputation(s) at or above the ankle (Symes, BK, AK)
  • Amputation(s) must have occurred at least 4-months prior to study enrollment
  • Must be ambulatory (with or without assistive devices)

Compensation

  • Up to $400 ($100 per visit, $200 for final visit)

Enrollment Closes
August 31, 2024

Time Commitment

  • Initial visit ( 1 hours)
  • Fitting visit (2-3 hours)
  • At home trial (8 weeks)

Contact Person
Jessica Kenia, MS | Email : Jessica.kenia@pennmedicine.upenn.edu  | Phone: 215-893-2678

How to Participate
See further instructions in the Recruitment Flyer.

Study Location
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) – San Diego, CA

Research Objective
Primary Aim: To test the hypothesis that it is safe and effective to administer psilocybin to individuals who experience phantom limb pain. Secondary aim: To determine behavioral and neural pain responses during noxious stimulation and at rest before and after psilocybin therapy.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Between 18 and 75 years of age.
  • Must have had an amputation of one extremity (upper or lower limb).
  • Experience phantom limb pain (for 1+ months) rated in intensity of at least 3 out of 10.
  • Must be fluent in the English language.
  • Must adhere to the medication/drug use protocols for the duration of the study (more information can be found on our Clinical Trial Webpage).
  • Must tolerate an MRI scan procedure without sedation.
  • Women of childbearing potential must agree to practice effective means of birth control throughout the duration of the study.
  • Must be accompanied by another individual who can provide transportation to and from the study visits.

Compensation

  • $600 (upon completion of all required study visits)

Enrollment Closes
September 1, 2027

Time Commitment

  • Approximately 45-60 minutes.

Contact Person
Email: phri-recruitment@ucsd.edu| Phone: 619-432-5278

How to Participate
Please visit our Clinical Trial webpage to speak with a researcher and determine your eligibility.

Study Location

  • Remote, hybrid, or in-person (All in-person visits will take place at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab – Chicago, IL) If you live outside of the Chicagoland area, you will be offered virtual study visits.

Research Objective
To use the Phantom Limb Pain Management System (PLP-MS) for at-home pain management therapy. The PLP-MS system is an investigational device that uses a game-based phone app and an electrode cuff for at-home use for treatment of phantom limb pain.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must speak English
  • Have limb absence, any level – including multiple limbs
  • Must experience Phantom Limb Pain at least 2 times per month
  • Must not have significant residual limb pain
  • Pain medication must be consistent over the past 1 month (if applicable)

Compensation

  • Up to $780
  • Initial visit: $40, Training visit(s): $40-$80
  • 8-week trial: $50 per week ($400 total)
  • Follow-up visits: $140 (week 8), $40 (week 16), $40 (week 24), $40 (week 32)

Enrollment Closes
September 30, 2024

Time Commitment

  • 2-3 visits for enrollment and training (1 hour each)
  • Home trial (20-40 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week, for 8 weeks)
  • 4 additional follow-up sessions (1 hour each)

Contact Person
Kristi Turner or Andrea Ikeda | Email : cbm@sralab.org | Phone: 312-238-2080
Study Coordinators, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

How to Participate
See further instructions in the Recruitment Flyer.

Study Location
Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute – Philadelphia, PA

Research Objective
This study is a randomized controlled trial to determine if virtual reality (VR) treatments can reduce phantom leg pain. Group 1 will test our Active VR treatment (which involves virtual gaming with leg movements and visual feedback of the missing leg). Group 2 will receive a commercially available VR pain treatment (Distractor VR). Our findings will be used to develop and assess the feasibility of a home intervention program using the most efficacious intervention, either Active VR or Distractor VR. MRI imaging will be used in both studies to attempt to identify biomarkers that can predict the efficacy of treatment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Unilateral Above-knee Amputation
  • Unilateral Below-knee Amputation
  • Experiences Phantom Limb Pain

Compensation

  • Up to $180 (12 visits – 8 treatment sessions and 4 questionnaires sessions /$15 per visit)
  • Additional $80 (two MRI scans)
  • Paid Travel Costs

Enrollment Closes
September 2026

Time Commitment

  • 8 twice-weekly VR treatment sessions (1 hour each), 4 sessions of questionnaires (before and after treatment, plus two follow-up sessions).
  • Two Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans.

Contact Person
Elisabetta Ambron, PhD. | Email : eli.ambron@gmail.com
Research Associate, University of Pennsylvania

How to Participate
See further instructions in the Recruitment Flyer.

Study Location
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital – Cambridge, MA

Research Objective
This study is designed to test the effectiveness of a home-based treatment intervention for phantom limb pain. This treatment protocol combines a non-invasive brain stimulation called Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and somatosensory training in a home-based setting. We will compare patients randomized to this combined strategy vs. usual care alone to examine differences in perceived pain.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Have limb amputation(s), any level
  • Experience chronic pain of the amputated limb(s)
  • Must be at least 18 years of age

Compensation
$345

Enrollment Closes
March 2027

Time Commitment

  • 22 visits during the 4-week treatment protocol (1-hour sessions)
  • 1 follow-up visit at 8 weeks post-treatment

Contact Person
Spaulding Neuromodulation Center | Email: epichardo@partners.org

How to Participate
See further instructions in the Recruitment Flyer.

Study Location
Pittsburgh, PA

Research Objective
This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the impact of socket fit on comfort and function in individuals with transfemoral amputations. Through this study we aim to achieve a greater understanding of what socket characteristics influence mechanical factors (i.e. skin strain, residual femur motion, socket pressure) and full body kinematics and kinetics. Furthermore, we intend to understand how these factors are associated with patients’ perceptions about their prosthetic sockets. With this information, we aim to streamline the socket design process and help individuals with limb loss and limb difference find a prosthesis that fits their needs more quickly and efficiently.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation (Above-Knee)
  • Must be between 18-80 years of age
  • Must weigh less than 125kg (275 lbs.)
  • Must utilize a conventional socket for ambulation for at least 1 year
  • Must be able to walk without an assistive device (cane, walker, etc.)

Compensation

  • Up to $300 (CT scan $50, ultrasound $50, lab testing $100 per session)
  • $10 parking available if needed
  • $25 provided if participant is determined to be ineligible after the in-person screening

Enrollment Closes
September 14, 2024

Time Commitment

  • 2 visits (4-hours each)
  • 1 CT scan and 1 ultrasound appointment (30 minutes each)

Contact Person
Shelly Barbosa | Email: biodynamics@pitt.edu

How to Participate
If you wish to enroll in this study please contact us by calling 412-713-1602 or email: biodynamics@pitt.edu. Learn more about this study by visiting our website: https://bdl.pitt.edu/

Study Location
Online Only

Research Objective
This survey is designed to improve our understanding of how osseointegrated (OI) devices are being used by the lower limb prosthesis user population and what impact(s) these devices have on users.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Have an amputation of one or both lower limbs.
  • Have an osseointegrated implant device (with the abutment protruding from your limb).
  • Must be at least 18 years of age

Compensation
None

Enrollment Closes
June 2024

Time Commitment
Approximately 20 Minutes

Contact Person
Kimberly Kontson | Email: Kimberly.Kontson@fda.hhs.gov

How to Participate
Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LLOIsurvey

The research studies listed on this page have completed all the necessary documentation to assure that the human subject protocols have been approved through a recognized Institutional Review Board and have provided a statement that there are no commercial conflicts of interest. This listing does not imply endorsement of the Amputee Coalition. Research projects are listed as a service to researchers and to our members of the limb loss and limb difference community. The Amputee Coalition is not responsible for the conduct of the researchers. The sponsoring institution assumes responsibility for researcher’s conduct. If you have questions about a study listed on this page or if you would like to determine your enrollment eligibility for a study, please reach out to the Contact Person listed for that study.