How to get involved in Research!

Participating in amputee research is a powerful way to contribute to medical advancements that benefit both current and future generations of amputees. Clinical trials play a critical role in testing new prosthetic technologies, rehabilitation methods, and treatments that can improve quality of life. By taking part, patients not only access cutting-edge solutions but also help unlock breakthroughs that could reshape the future of adaptive healthcare.

Finding the right clinical trial might seem daunting, but there are several accessible pathways. VA hospitals often conduct research focused on veteran care, which includes a wide range of studies for amputees. Universities with medical research programs frequently run trials related to mobility and prosthetics. Research institutes across the country also focus on disability studies, developing innovative devices and therapies.

By participating in these trials, you’re not only advocating for your own well-being but also empowering the next generation of amputees with better options for living full, active lives. To become a research study participant, you can: 

• Find studies

  Use a clinical trial search tool, like ClinicalTrials.gov, to find studies that match your eligibility. You can also use ResearchMatch.org, a free registry that matches you with studies that need volunteers. Instead of simply searching for a term such as “research study near me” and being overwhelmed by results, using a medical research-specific search tool is a great way to discover clinical trial listings that might be of interest. You can view details about trials quickly, including travel distance, condition, and inclusion criteria, and determine which ones may potentially be a good fit for you.

• Talk to your Prosthetist

  Your prosthetist can help you determine if a study is right for you, and can answer questions about the study's risks and benefits. 

• Contact the research team

  Once you've found a study, you can contact the research team to learn more and ask questions. This step is like a two-way interview; you will be asking questions to determine if the study is the right fit for you, and the research team will be asking questions to determine if you are a good fit for the study. 

• Go through the screening process

  If you qualify for the study, you'll go through a screening process that may include answering health questions, a physical exam, and additional tests. 

• Visit the research site or undergo virtual screening

  If the conversation with the research team goes well, you can then visit the research site or have a virtual meeting to undergo any additional screening procedures and/or fully enroll in the trial. You will be asked to provide informed consent before enrolling, which should provide all the details you need — but ask as many questions as you’d like to make sure you are fully aware of all the study details. 

• Sign the informed consent form

  Before participating, you'll sign an informed consent form that outlines the study's details, including potential risks and benefits. 

Not all studies require participants to be amputees, some studies look for people who care for someone with a disability. 

While some paid clinical trials exist, they are not the norm. Compensation rates can vary and may include payment for time, reimbursement for travel costs, or childcare

My Latest Research Study:

I just finished up a study with Bionicskins in Boston! I got to travel to a city i had never been to before. I also got some neat images of my knee which hadn’t been imaged since my amputation in 1996! They studied my alignment which was super fascinating to see.