Creating a robotic exoskeleton to help stroke survivors improve arm movement
Official title: Developing and Determining Feasibility of a Novel Upper Extremity Robotic Exoskeleton to Track and Target Unwanted Joint Synergies during Repetitive Task Training in Stroke Survivors
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-10933498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new robotic exoskeleton called Harmony that helps stroke survivors, especially veterans, practice arm movements during rehab to improve their upper body function and make their recovery more engaging and effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004631-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are stroke survivors, particularly veterans, who are in the acute or sub-acute stages of recovery and require assistance with upper extremity rehabilitation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel robotic exoskeleton designed to assist stroke survivors in improving their upper extremity function through repetitive task training. The exoskeleton, named Harmony, aims to provide targeted support during rehabilitation exercises, ensuring that patients can practice specific arm movements effectively while maintaining proper joint coordination. By utilizing this technology, the study seeks to enhance the rehabilitation experience for veterans recovering from strokes, particularly in the acute and sub-acute stages of recovery. The approach combines advanced robotics with established rehabilitation techniques to improve patient engagement and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the rehabilitation process for stroke survivors, leading to improved arm function and better quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using robotic assistance for rehabilitation, indicating that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in stroke recovery.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muir, Brittney C — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Muir, Brittney C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
-
Music-powered tools to boost blood pressure and stroke prevention for Nigerian youth and their older caregivers
This project uses popular music to help Nigerian youths and their older family members start and stick to blood pressure and stroke prevention habits.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
-
LRP1 controls NSC movement and stroke recovery
This NIH grant studies how a brain receptor called LRP1 helps neural stem cells move to stroke injuries and support recovery in adults.
-
BBB Dysfunction after Stroke and Risk for Dementia
A study at Stanford will look at whether inflammation after a stroke leads to leaky blood vessels and later dementia, by following stroke survivors and comparing them with people without stroke.
-
Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
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.