A new system to improve walking after a stroke using electrical stimulation
Official title: Innovative closed-loop functional electrical stimulation control system for augmenting post-stroke gait
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10999864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device that helps people who have had a stroke walk better by using gentle electrical stimulation to support their ankle movement, making it safer and easier for them to get around.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $232,920 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD116484-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke and suffer from footdrop or reduced mobility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or do not have issues with mobility may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative closed-loop functional electrical stimulation (FES) system designed to enhance walking abilities in individuals who have experienced a stroke. By using electrical stimulation that adjusts automatically based on muscle fatigue, the system aims to improve ankle movement and reduce the risk of falls. Participants will engage in rehabilitation tasks while the FES system provides targeted stimulation to support their mobility. The study seeks to address current limitations in existing FES technologies, making them more effective and accessible for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve walking ability and overall mobility for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using functional electrical stimulation for rehabilitation, indicating that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in patient care.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kesar, Trisha — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kesar, Trisha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Movement-Enhanced Walking Training to Improve Balance After Stroke
A specialized treadmill training using a cable-driven device, called Movement Amplification Environment (MAE), helps people with chronic stroke improve walking balance by enhancing their own movement awareness.
-
Teleassessment of gait and balance after stroke to expand remote rehabilitation
A multi-site study tests simple remote gait and balance tests for stroke survivors to enable safer, easier rehabilitation from home.
-
MINT conditioning to improve post-stroke walking with a wearable device
A wearable, wireless EMG-based system called MINT helps people who’ve had a stroke re-train leg muscles to walk more easily, especially at home.
-
How stroke and Botox affect ankle stiffness during walking
This project looks at how stroke and Botox (Botulinum Neurotoxin) change ankle stiffness and resistance during walking in people with gait problems.
-
Characterization of how stroke affects both ankles during standing and walking
This grant studies how stroke changes ankle movement in both legs during standing and walking to help improve posture and gait for stroke survivors.
-
Immersive VR Overground Gait Rehab for Stroke Survivors
A study tests an immersive virtual reality program to help stroke survivors practice walking in real-world-like settings.
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.