August 3, 2020
Joins institutional collaborators to study fall-related health outcomes and conduct largest microprocessor-controlled knee clinical trial to date
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 3, 2020 – Hanger, Inc. (NYSE: HNGR) today announced it is among a group awarded a nearly $2,000,000 research grant from the Department of Defense (DoD) to study fall-related health outcomes in lower limb prosthesis users, including the largest clinical trial of microprocessor-controlled knees (MPKs) to-date. The funds, supporting Hanger Clinic’s Department of Clinical and Scientific Affairs, along with the University of Washington (UW), the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), and the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Health Care System (MVAHCS), are part of the DoD’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Program.
“This project supports the Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Program’s mission by advancing orthotic and prosthetic research to optimize evidence-based care and clinical outcomes for military-related neuromusculoskeletal injury,” stated Tracy Behrsing, PhD, Health Science Program Manager, Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Program, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, a subordinate command of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command.
The project, scheduled to begin Sept. 30, 2020, will be led by Brian Hafner, PhD (UW). Hanger Clinic’s Director of Clinical Research, Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, joins Andrew Sawers, PhD, CPO (UIC) and Sara Koehler-McNicholas, PhD (MVAHCS) as site leads for this ambitious project. The first two aims will develop and validate new outcome measures to better assess the impact of falls on individuals who use a lower limb prosthesis. The instruments designed and tested in the first two aims of the project will be applied in aim three, a pragmatic, randomized, clinical trial to be conducted at Hanger Clinic.
“The randomized, controlled clinical trial is the gold standard for measuring effectiveness of medical devices including prosthetic technology,” stated Wurdeman. “There is a growing body of evidence strongly suggesting patient benefits of MPKs for limited, community ambulators, or K2-level ambulators. The ability to study this technology in a controlled trial of this scale will significantly further our understanding of the potential benefits for these individuals.”
The clinical trial, expected to be the largest of its kind to-date, will enroll 100 K2-level above-knee amputees from Hanger Clinic. Half will be randomized into an MPK, while the other half will be randomized to a non-MPK which is the current standard for this K-level. Evidence from smaller scale studies suggests that this population could benefit from MPK technology; however, the level of evidence has not yet been sufficient to support coverage policies that would allow individuals with a K2-level access to this type of technology.
“This vital research will further enhance patient outcomes, and help ensure those living with limb loss and limb difference have coverage for the medically-necessary and clinically-appropriate technology that will help them live independent and fulfilling lives,” stated James Campbell, PhD, Hanger Chief Clinical Officer. “This is yet another example of Hanger Clinic’s leadership in orthotics and prosthetics clinical outcomes and research, and we’re delighted to collaborate with this prestigious group of organizations.”
Hanger Clinic’s Department of Clinical and Scientific Affairs has a vast collection of research studies already published, or in various stages of publication, in collaboration with leading researchers, clinicians, and academic institutions. Additional information on previously published research can be found here: https://hangerclinic.com/for-professionals/research-innovation/.
About Hanger, Inc. – Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Hanger, Inc. is a leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) patient care services and products. The company operates as an ecosystem of diversified companies delivering complementary solutions to individuals and providers with O&P needs, and is organized in two business segments – Patient Care and Products & Services. Through its Patient Care segment, Hanger provides comprehensive, outcomes-based O&P services to individuals of all ages at more than 925 Hanger Clinic locations nationwide. Through its Products & Services segment, Hanger serves the broader O&P community and skilled nursing facilities through designing and distributing branded and private label O&P devices, products and components, providing consulting services, and offering post-acute rehabilitative solutions. Rooted in clinical research, excellence, and innovation, Hanger is a purpose-driven company focused on empowering human potential. For more information, visit corporate.hanger.com.
Contact:
Annie Myers
External Relations Manager
(210) 440-7380 or [email protected]