Adaptive EMG-controlled skiing for people with high-level spinal cord injury
Official title: Adaptive Skiing for Individuals with Tetraplegia and Complex Neuromuscular Impairments
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11424905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to let people with severe spinal cord injuries control assistive devices more naturally using leftover muscle signals, starting with downhill skiing in a specialized ski.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $326,456 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD123941-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with high-level spinal cord injuries who rely on assistive devices and are able to participate in EMG-based control testing.
✕Less likely to help
People with benign or fully recoverable motor function or those unable to participate in EMG testing may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing EMG-based control systems so individuals with high-level spinal cord injuries can interact with assistive devices in a more intuitive way. The project starts with downhill skiing using the TetraSki as a real-world test bed, moving from lab simulations to real environments. Researchers will compare EMG-based control to traditional sip-and-puff methods using established usability and performance measures to understand impact on daily living and engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, users could experience more natural control of assistive devices and greater independence in activities they enjoy.
How similar studies have gone: Past work in EMG-controlled interfaces has shown promise, but this project advances testing in a real-world, complex activity.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenbluth, Jeffrey — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Rosenbluth, Jeffrey
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Optimizing sensory feedback to improve function after tetraplegia
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-
FES+BMI Neuroprosthesis for Home Use in Chronic Tetraplegia
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Using a mobile robot to help people with severe spinal cord injuries live more independently
This study is working on a friendly robot that can help people with tetraplegia do everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating, making life a little easier and more independent while also supporting their emotional needs.
-
Using spinal cord stimulation to improve arm and hand movement in people with tetraplegia
This study is looking at how a special electrical stimulation technique can help veterans with neck injuries improve their arm and hand movements, making everyday tasks like reaching and grabbing easier and more effective.
-
Creating a device to help people with paralysis use their hands at home
This study is testing a new device that helps people with paralysis in their arms and hands regain control of their movements, so they can do everyday tasks like eating on their own, and we’re looking for participants to help us make it work better for home use.
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Portable control systems to operate a hand motor neuroprosthesis for people with tetraplegia
The study will test whether several fully portable, non‑invasive control methods (for example shoulder‑motion IMUs, surface EMG, touch/contact sensors, and voice) let adults with tetraplegia reliably control a hand motor neuroprosthesis.
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.