Research Grants
The Össur Prosthetic Research Grant program is designed to provide funding for scientific research on lower limb amputees in areas relevant to prosthetic devices and their uses, with the aim to further the scientific knowledge in the field of prosthetics. This can include functional outcome measures, lower extremity biomechanics and, related healthcare economics for transtibial and transfemoral patient populations
The new RFP listed below is specific to transfemoral patients. Interested investigators should follow the proposal submission guidelines outlined in the RFP.
Comparative Effectiveness Outcomes Study on Powered Knee Prosthetics - A Request for Proposals
Description
Previous research on prosthetic knees, especially microprocessor knees, has demonstrated a significant improvement in patient outcomes and quality of life for users. Technological advances have led to the development of powered prosthetics. Research is now needed to support the efficacy of these products and to clearly define the added benefits they bring to transfemoral amputees and the impact of those benefits on health related quality of life measures and health care costs.
Objective
The primary objective of the study is to assess the relevant benefit of these devices to users as defined through clinical measures such as safety and stability, metabolic expenditure, mobility, prescription/non-prescription medication use, relevant health related quality of life/outcomes measures, and others to be determined, in TF amputees using a powered knee prostheses versus other standard commercially available knee prostheses (MP, non MP).
Additional objectives may be defined by the PI.
Study Details
A single project, with a minimum 6 month patient follow up, is required. The study must be completed within two years of the date of the award. Sponsor reserves the right to grant study timeline extensions.
Funding
Sponsor will provide up to $80,000 annually for each year of the two year project commitment. Product to be used for the study will be provided by the sponsor. Investigators are responsible for acquiring additional funds, as needed, to support the study.
Eligibility
Investigation team must have a least one PhD in appropriate discipline and must demonstrate research experience in this discipline as evidenced by a minimum of 3 peer reviewed scientific publications, in the last five years, in this and/or related areas. Investigator must be affiliated with major academic institution and/or medical center. Investigator must demonstrate ability to access study patient populations in sufficient numbers to complete the trial.
Review Process
A prosthetic research committee, appointed by the study sponsor, will review all proposals.
Application Process
Preliminary pre-proposal “white paper” must be received by June 1, 2010. This must include clearly stated research hypothesis, study design and methods, comparative measures, study patient population with inclusion/exclusion criteria, study timeline, budget and any other relevant information.
In addition, CV of the Principal Investigator, and identification of co-investigators must be included.
Materials should be sent electronically to Marjorie J. Albohm, Director Clinical Research at malbohm@ossur.com
Request for Proposals: Comparative Effectiveness Outcomes Study on Powered Knee Prosthetics