A new exercise method to help stroke survivors walk better
Official title: CUped: An Approach to Motor Recovery Post-Stroke, not Compensation
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-10837100 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new exercise program called CUped, which uses a special robot to help stroke survivors improve their walking and movement by encouraging them to use their affected leg while pedaling, and it's designed to see how safe and helpful this approach is for recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | May 5, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $193,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD108585-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10837100 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are stroke survivors experiencing lower limb movement impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or have severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving lower limb rehabilitation for stroke survivors through a novel exercise intervention called CUped. The approach involves a robotic technology that encourages the use of the affected limb during a pedaling-like movement, aiming to restore lost movement and improve walking ability. The study will assess the safety, acceptability, and effectiveness of CUped, while also exploring how different levels of exercise impact recovery. By targeting specific movement impairments caused by stroke, this intervention seeks to enhance rehabilitation outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve walking ability and independence for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using robotic-assisted therapies for stroke rehabilitation, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schindler-Ivens, Sheila M — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Schindler-Ivens, Sheila M
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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.