RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Evaluation of the Biomechanics of Crowding and the Energetic Cost of Endurance Runners Unilateral Transtibial Amputees.

This study is investigating how different running blades affect people who have had a lower leg amputation on one side. Around 3,700 people in France each year have this type of amputation. Many athletes use special carbon fibre running blades to help them run more efficiently. Currently, these blades are adjusted based on expert opinion and what feels best to the runner. However, this can lead to imbalances that might cause injuries. This research aims to objectively measure how different running blades impact a runner's energy use and movement (biomechanics), especially for long-distance running. We also want to check if lab results match real-world running. The goal is to help runners find the best blade setup for their sport, improve their performance, and reduce the chance of injuries.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne

Enrolment target

Start

23 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2026

Amputee Prostheses Healthy Volunteers

What is this study about?

This research is looking into how specialist running blades, often made of carbon fibre, work for people who have had one lower leg amputated. These blades are designed to help athletes run more effectively by returning energy as they push off the ground.

Currently, the way these running blades are set up is often based on the experience of the person fitting them and what feels comfortable to the runner. While this approach can help, it doesn't always provide a clear, scientific way to choose the best blade for performance and preventing injuries. There's a concern that if the healthy leg and the leg with the prosthesis aren't well-matched, it could put extra strain on the healthy leg, increasing the risk of injury over time, especially during intense or long-distance running.

The study aims to get a clearer picture of how different running blades affect a runner's body and their energy use. We want to understand if changing how stiff a blade is can make a difference to how efficiently a runner uses energy and how their body moves. This is important because existing information on how running blades affect people with one amputation is varied. We plan to do tests both in a lab and during outdoor running to make sure our findings are relevant to real-life situations. Ultimately, the goal is to provide better information that can help amputee runners choose the most suitable equipment, improve their running technique, and avoid injuries.

Key takeaways

This study aims to make running safer and more effective for people with one lower leg amputation.
It will investigate how different running blades affect a runner's movement and energy use.
Both lab and outdoor running tests will be conducted.
The goal is to find the best blade settings to improve performance and prevent injuries.
You must be an experienced blade runner to take part.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women between the ages of 18 and 65. To take part, you need to weigh less than 110 kg and have had an amputation below the knee on one leg. You should also have been running with a sports blade for at least three months, regularly running distances of at least 3 kilometres. You'll also need to sign a consent form to show you agree to take part, and be part of a social security scheme, which is typical for UK citizens.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your amputation was caused by diabetes or hardened arteries (atherosclerosis). You also can't take part if you have certain long-term nerve conditions, heart problems, or issues with alcohol or drug dependency. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also unable to participate, as are individuals under legal protection (like someone with a court-appointed guardian).

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you weigh less than 110 kg (about 17 stone 5 lbs)?
Have you had one lower leg (transtibial) amputation?
Have you been running with a sports blade for at least 3 months, doing runs of 3km or more?
Are you able to provide written consent to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of what taking part involves is not provided in the brief summary. However, based on the interventions listed, it suggests you would likely attend several sessions. These might include a warm-up, followed by various running tests on a treadmill or track, trying out different running blades. Some tests might involve running at a comfortable speed, and others might involve running outdoors on different surfaces. The total duration of your involvement isn't specified, but it would involve multiple appointments to complete all the tests.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might benefit you by helping us understand how different running blades can improve performance and reduce injury risk for amputee runners, which could eventually lead to better equipment for everyone. As with any physical activity, there's always a small risk of muscle soreness or minor discomfort during the running tests. The study aims to reduce injury risk, but intense running always carries some inherent risk. Your safety will be a priority, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why.

Locations (1)

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire
Verified postcode
Saint-Etienne, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'sports blade'?

A sports blade is a special type of prosthetic leg, often made from carbon fibre, designed to help people with an amputation run and participate in sports more easily and efficiently.

What does 'energy cost' mean in running?

Energy cost refers to how much energy your body uses to run a certain distance. A lower energy cost means you are running more efficiently.

Why are outdoor tests important?

Outdoor tests help researchers see if the results found in a controlled lab setting are also true when running on real-world surfaces, like roads or uneven trails.

What is 'biomechanics'?

Biomechanics is the study of how your body moves. In this study, it looks at how your legs, joints, and muscles work together when you're running with a blade.

How long will the study last?

The information provided doesn't state the exact duration, but it would likely involve several visits for different running tests.

How to find out more

David HUPIN, MD-PhD

david.hupin@chu-st-etienne.fr (0)4 77 82 83 00 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.