Interdisciplinary Movement Science Laboratory (IMSL)

People are routinely prescribed a traditional socket prosthesis following lower-limb amputation, and despite advances in socket design, approximately 30% of socket prosthesis users report severe complications and pain due to the fit of their socket. Prosthesis osseointegration surgery creates a direct connection between the bone and prosthetic limb through a bone-anchored abutment, eliminating the need for a socket interface. Osseointegration is offered as a secondary procedure to people with a traumatic lower-limb amputation who experience failure with their socket prosthesis. The purpose of our osseointegration clinical research line is to evaluate changes in patient-reported outcomes, functional capacity, free-living physical activity, and gait biomechanics from before osseointegration surgery to one-year following osseointegration. This work will lead to evidence-based development of interventions specific to rehabilitation for people with major lower limb amputation after osseointegrated prosthesis implantation. 

The Primary Aim of this research study is to determine the feasibility of 8 weeks of physical therapy strengthening exercises using blood flow restriction (BFR) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have moderate-to-severe walking problems. BFR training involves placing a cuff on the leg being exercised in order to restrict blood flow. The cuff is attached to a specialized device that automatically detects the appropriate amount of pressure to place on the limb.

Clinical Trial Study Link

The objective of this study is to pilot a 10-week resistance and functional movement intervention targeting proximal muscles in 40 people with MS. The investigators will assess implementation feasibility, collect pilot data for key walking function outcomes, and examine movement-pattern and activity behavior mechanisms. Walking function will be measured by walking capacity and physical activity. Movement-pattern mechanisms will be measured using 3D motion capture analysis (pelvis and trunk kinematics). Activity behavior mechanisms will be measured by patient-reported outcome questionnaires.

Clinical Trials Study Link

This a multi-site study, with UC Denver being one of nearly 30 performance sites nationwide and the primary site location being Northwestern University. This Phase III clinical trial is designed to establish the efficacy of progressive high-intensity, endurance treadmill exercise to slow the progression of the signs of Parkinson's disease (PD). If successful, this study will have a significant impact on the quality of life of people with PD and their caregivers as well as public health since it will slow progression of the signs of PD. Establishing high-intensity endurance treadmill exercise as a means to slow the progression of the signs of the disease would mark a significant breakthrough in treating PD and would have a significant public health impact.

The experience of amputation compounds the pre-existing physical inactivity of people with Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease. Despite the presence of recommendations for comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, focused on a return to community living, there are no guidelines to improve physical inactivity. The goal of this study is to implement a telerehabilitation component to promote physical activity during prosthetic training. 

Clinical Trials DASH Study Report

Following a dysvascular amputation, individuals often adapt their walking patterns to accommodate for loss of ankle function which can result in an asymmetrical walking pattern, negatively influencing walking efficiency and disability. The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of error-augmentation gait training using the split-belt treadmill or error-correction using prompts from a metronome improves gait symmetry in people who have experienced a dysvascular amputation. 

Clinical Trials Study Report

​While total knee arthroplasty improves the pain and disability associated with knee osteoarthritis, physical activity levels after total knee arthroplasty remain at low levels and are nearly unchanged from before surgery. This study is assessing the efficacy of using physical activity behavior-change telerehabilitation for improving physical activity outcomes. The three-month intervention is focused on changing habitual behaviors through remote video telerehabilitation sessions between participants and physical therapists.

Clinical Trials Study Report

A one-size-fits-all approach to prosthetic rehabilitation does not take into account differences in age, cause of amputation, or physical activity before amputation. Working with non-traumatic lower limb amputation and health care providers such as physical therapists and prosthetists, we will begin to develop personalized reference charts to enable precise goal-setting and targeted monitoring. The “patients-like-me” approach has been developed for recovery after total knee arthroplasty and is being adapted to people with lower limb amputation.

Veterans with lower-limb amputation have poor long-term outcomes even with the use of a prosthesis. Our study will determine the potential of a walking exercise self-management program to achieve sustained exercise participation. The 18-month intervention is focused on helping Veterans reduce habitual sedentary behavior through a remote exercise behavior-change intervention that includes multiple clinical disciplines, individualized exercise self-management training, and peer support. This innovative approach shifts the conventional rehabilitation paradigm to specifically target the life-long exercise sustainability and remove an underlying cause of disability for Veterans with lower-limb amputation.

Clinical Trials WEST Study Report

This project proposes to study a strength training program using blood flow restriction (BFR) in people with advanced disability due to MS. BFR uses a device that partially blocks blood flow to the exercising limb and causes a response in the muscle which can replicate the effects of high-intensity training using much lower intensities. This is ideal for people with MS who have advanced disability, as they often cannot tolerate higher intensity exercise due to severe weakness and fatigue. By studying BFR training in people with advanced disability due to MS, the investigators hope to help improve strength, mobility, fatigue, and quality of life in people with MS.

Clinical Trials BRAVe-MS Study Report