A neck exoskeleton to help patients with ALS manage head drop
A structurally suitable neck exoskeleton for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
This study is working on a new, comfy neck support for people with ALS who struggle with head drop, aiming to make it easier for them to move their heads and feel better about using the device, with input from patients to make sure it really helps their needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10811000 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a comfortable and effective neck exoskeleton for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who experience head drop. Many current neck braces are uncomfortable and lead to poor compliance, resulting in untreated head drop that can worsen breathing, swallowing, and communication difficulties. The project aims to create a user-friendly device that enhances head and neck movement while improving patient satisfaction. Patients with ALS will actively participate in the design process to ensure the device meets their needs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who experience head drop.
Not a fit: Patients with ALS who do not experience head drop or have advanced stages of the disease where device use is not feasible may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for ALS patients by providing a practical solution to manage head drop.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been various assistive technologies developed for ALS, this specific approach of a neck exoskeleton is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Haohan — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Haohan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.