Developing a new arm restraint to help older patients stay mobile and reduce agitation
Official title: Commercialization, Adoption, Licensing and Manufacture of Exersides Refraints
Funded at Healthy Design, LTD. Co. · NIH-10516414 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new arm restraint called Exersides™ Refraint™ to help older patients in the ICU stay safe and comfortable while allowing them to move more freely, so they don’t accidentally pull out important tubes and lines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Healthy Design, LTD. Co. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rutland, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $1,930,835 |
| NIH project number | 5SB1AG073026-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10516414 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are critically ill, mechanically ventilated, or experiencing confusion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not critically ill or do not require mechanical ventilation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel arm restraint alternative called Exersides™ Refraint™ for older patients who are critically ill and may be mechanically ventilated or confused. The goal is to allow these patients to have more mobility while preventing them from accidentally removing vital tubes and lines. By reducing the need for sedatives and minimizing agitation, this approach aims to decrease complications like delirium and long-term cognitive impairment, which can be similar to Alzheimer's disease. The project builds on promising results from earlier pilot studies and aims to improve patient outcomes in intensive care settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of care for older patients in intensive care by improving their mobility and reducing the use of sedatives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown encouraging results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Healthy Design, LTD. Co.
Rutland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pavini, Marie — Healthy Design, LTD. Co.
- Study coordinator: Pavini, Marie
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.