A wearable device to monitor tissue mechanics while moving
Official title: Wearable elastography for ambulatory monitoring of tissue mechanics
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10726529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-wear device that can help people keep track of how their body tissues feel and move during daily activities, all without needing a doctor to set it up, so you can use it comfortably at home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | September 20, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $594,505 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB034973-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10726529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions affecting tissue mechanics, such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions that do not affect tissue mechanics may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wireless, wearable elastography device that can accurately monitor the mechanical properties of tissues during everyday activities. By utilizing an array of skin-mounted accelerometers, the device aims to measure pulsed surface waves without the need for professional calibration, making it suitable for long-term use in home settings. The goal is to create a soft electronics platform that can be securely attached to various parts of the body, allowing for real-time monitoring of tissue mechanics in a non-invasive manner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a convenient way to monitor their tissue health and detect diseases earlier.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using wearable technologies for health monitoring, but this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ni, Xiaoyue — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Ni, Xiaoyue
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.