Hip-protecting wearable airbags for older stroke survivors
Official title: Airbags to prevent hip injuries in the aging stroke population
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-11367629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A wearable hip airbag system using a stroke-specific fall-detection algorithm aims to reduce hip injuries for people aged 65+ who have had a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $691,763 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG094904-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 65 years and older with a history of stroke who are living in the community and at risk of falls.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a history of stroke or those not at risk of falls may not benefit from this device.
What this research studies
If you are 65 or older and have a history of stroke, this project tests a wearable hip airbag that automatically deploys during a fall to cushion the hip and prevent fractures. The system relies on a specialized fall-detection algorithm designed for stroke survivors to trigger airbag deployment exactly when needed. The study will monitor how well the airbags reduce hip injuries and how safely and comfortably participants can wear and use the device in daily life. Researchers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab will work with participants in community settings to evaluate real-world use and outcomes over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could lower hip fracture risk and related complications for older stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous fall-prevention efforts have limited impact in stroke survivors, making this stroke-specific approach promising but still being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jayaraman, Arun — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Jayaraman, Arun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How biological aging and blood proteins relate to thinking after a stroke
This project looks at whether measures of biological aging and patterns of blood proteins help explain which stroke survivors keep their thinking sharp and which go on to develop vascular dementia.
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Brain networks and reading after stroke and aging
A large study at Georgetown University aims to understand why reading is impaired after stroke and how aging affects reading, using advanced brain imaging to map the networks that support reading.”
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Epigenetic changes in aging brain support stroke recovery in aging women
This project explores how aging-related brain cells, especially astrocytes, respond after a stroke in older women and how hormones and epigenetic changes influence recovery and dementia risk.
-
Brain changes after stroke: how aging and tongue exercises affect swallowing
A study from UW–Madison looks at why swallowing trouble after stroke persists, and whether age and tongue exercises can help restore swallowing more than just using tricks.
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Aging immune reactions to released mitochondria worsen thinking and memory after stroke
This project explores whether age-related immune changes make mitochondria released after stroke trigger inflammation that worsens thinking and memory in older stroke survivors.
-
How the brain helps people keep standing balance as we age or after a stroke
This project measures brain activity while young adults, older adults, and people who have had a stroke do balance tasks to learn how the brain helps keep you steady.
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.