A telemedicine solution using smart socks to prevent blood clots in older cancer patients
Official title: Tele-Sox: A Tele-Medicine solution based on wearables and gamification to prevent Venous thromboembolism in Oncology Geriatric Patients
Funded at Stexole LLC · NIH-10547300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun and interactive sock that helps older cancer patients stay active and prevent blood clots by turning their foot and ankle exercises into a game, making it easier for them to keep moving and stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stexole LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $259,600 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AG074888-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10547300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with cancer who are at risk for venous thromboembolism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have a cancer diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing Tele-SOX, a telemedicine solution that utilizes wearable technology and gamification to help prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in geriatric oncology patients. The Tele-SOX device is designed to encourage compliance with foot and ankle exercises through an interactive game, making it easier for patients to engage in necessary physical activity. By integrating sensors into the socks, the program aims to monitor activity levels and provide feedback to users, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots. The approach addresses the limitations of current prophylactic methods, particularly for elderly patients who may struggle with traditional interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of preventable blood clots in older cancer patients, improving their overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using wearable technology and gamification for health interventions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stexole LLC
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joshi, Rosha — Stexole LLC
- Study coordinator: Joshi, Rosha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
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-
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-
PET/CT imaging to detect chemotherapy-related vascular harm in young cancer patients
A non-invasive PET/CT scan method using standard care imaging is being tested to identify which pediatric and young adult cancer patients are at higher risk of blood clots from chemotherapy.
-
Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large clinical trial will test whether taking rosuvastatin daily for a year helps prevent dangerous blood clots in people with newly diagnosed or relapsed cancer who aren’t already getting anticoagulants.
-
BCOR's role in blood clot risk and liver genetics
A Johns Hopkins-led study is exploring how a human gene, BCOR, may control liver-produced clotting factors to influence venous blood clots.
-
Personalized risk-prediction for hospital-acquired blood clots in adults
A real-time risk model helps doctors identify adults in the hospital who are at higher risk of developing blood clots so they can prevent them safely.
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.