Characterization of how stroke affects both ankles during standing and walking
Official title: Characterization of Bilateral Ankle Mechanics Post-Stroke and Its Relationship to Impaired Posture and Gait Function
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11303780 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how stroke changes ankle movement in both legs during standing and walking to help improve posture and gait for stroke survivors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $160,620 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD118030-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11303780 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have experienced a cerebral stroke and have ongoing posture and gait impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Stroke survivors with minimal ankle involvement in gait or who are unable to participate in upright standing assessments.
What this research studies
Researchers at Arizona State University will analyze how stroke alters ankle mechanics in both the paretic and non-paretic legs during upright posture and lower-extremity movement. The study looks at multiple ankle motions, not just bending forward or backward, to understand how the ankle helps keep balance and propel movement after stroke. By examining how these changes relate to posture and gait problems, the project aims to identify targets for rehabilitation strategies that can improve daily mobility for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings may lead to better rehabilitation approaches that restore steadier posture and smoother walking for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that ankle mechanics are important for balance and walking, but this project expands to multi-planar analysis and bilateral control after stroke.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Hyunglae — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Lee, Hyunglae
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
-
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.
-
Better Electrical Stimulation for Walking After Stroke
This project is developing a smarter electrical stimulation device to help people walk more easily after a stroke, especially those who experience footdrop.
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.