A robotic device to help patients recover from knee surgeries using blood flow restriction.
Official title: A lightweight robotic telerehabilitation device with integrated blood flow restriction for patients with musculoskeletal conditions
Funded at Assistive Technology Development, INC. · NIH-11008244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new lightweight robotic device that helps people recovering from knee surgeries do their exercises safely at home or in clinics, making it easier for them to heal and stay connected with their doctors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Assistive Technology Development, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Timnath, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $306,872 |
| NIH project number | 1R43EB036388-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008244 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have recently undergone knee surgeries or have musculoskeletal conditions requiring rehabilitation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not recovering from knee surgeries or do not have musculoskeletal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a lightweight robotic telerehabilitation device designed for patients recovering from knee surgeries, such as replacements and ligament repairs. The device integrates blood flow restriction technology to enhance the effectiveness of low-load exercises, which are crucial during recovery when high-load training is not possible. Patients will be able to use this device both at home and in clinical settings, allowing for continuous monitoring and data sharing with their healthcare team to track progress. The goal is to reduce the costs associated with physical therapy while improving recovery outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve recovery times and outcomes for patients undergoing knee surgeries, while also reducing healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using blood flow restriction during rehabilitation, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Assistive Technology Development, INC.
Timnath, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilkinson, David — Assistive Technology Development, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wilkinson, David
Related research
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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.