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. You can use the following filters to sort through the opportunities listed:
- All – to view all research studies that are currently enrolling subjects
- Compensation – to view only studies that offer monetary compensation for your participation
- Lower Limb – to view studies that seek to enroll subjects with lower limb loss or limb difference
- Upper Limb – to view studies that seek to enroll subjects with upper limb loss or limb difference
- In-person – to view studies that require travel to a specific location
- Online Only – to view studies that can be completed remotely from any location
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
Online Only – Paper surveys and return envelopes are available upon request.
Research Objective
The goal of this study is to develop new health surveys to help clinicians and researchers better understand how falls (or thoughts of falling) affect people who use lower limb prostheses. Our research team has developed candidate questions for four new surveys. We are looking for volunteers to provide answers to these questions so that we can determine which ones give us the best information about fall-related health outcomes. Results of this study will be used to make these surveys shorter and easier to use in clinical practice and research studies. The developed surveys will be made freely available for use in clinical practice, research, and education around the world.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must read and write in English
- Must have an amputation (at or above the level of your ankle) in one or both legs
- Must not have an arm/upper limb amputation
- Must use a prosthesis (or prostheses) to transfer or walk
- Must have used a prosthesis (or prostheses) for 6 months or more
Compensation
- $25 for completing the survey
- Additional $25 for completing a second (optional) survey
Enrollment Closes
December 31, 2023
Time Commitment
- Approximately 45-60 minutes.
Contact Person
University of Washington Research Staff | Email : uwcorr@uw.edu | Phone: 1-800-504-0564
How to Participate
Learn more about the study or take the survey online at https://fallstudy.org/ See our Recruitment Flyer for more information.
Study Location
Online Only.
Research Objective
The purpose of this survey is to examine the physical activity and fitness trends of lower limb amputees to establish a benchmark for the population. The goal is to use these results to assist in developing new ideas for patient care.
Eligibility Criteria
- Have lower limb amputation(s) of any-level (i.e. toe, partial foot, Symes, transtibial/ BK, rotationplasty, knee disarticulation, transfemoral/ AK, hip disarticulation, hemipelvectomy).
Compensation
- Not available
Enrollment Closes
January 31, 2024
Time Commitment
- Approximately 15 minutes.
Contact Person
Noah Krichau | Email : nkrichau@emich.edu | Phone: 515-979-8955
How to Participate
Link to survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZtc1ei54WN7Z_4EsQioHxGYeKii9nfm8RYB_JMoawuX0t0g/viewform?usp=sf_link
Study Location
Online Only.
Research Objective
This study primarily aims to assess the knowledge and source of information on Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) and Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI), two novel surgical interventions for neuropathic pain, among individuals with limb loss. We also hope to characterize pain characteristics of limb loss, including pain occurrences, medication, out-of-pocket cost, and interventions received for chronic pain. Furthermore, we will determine if people with limb loss believe it would be beneficial to learn more about TMR/RPNI.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be either a physician (surgical attending, surgical resident, non-surgical attending, or non-surgical resident) or a person with limb loss.
Compensation
- None
Enrollment Closes
October 20, 2023
Time Commitment
- 5-25 minutes
Contact Person
Aidan Weitzner| aweitzn1@jh.edu
How to Participate
Link to survey: https://mrprcbcw.hosts.jhmi.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=XALL4DXNCH3ELH3E
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.