Home-based Leg Dexterity Training for knee osteoarthritis
Official title: Home-Based Leg Dexterity Trainer for Management of Knee Osteoarthritis
Funded at Neuromuscular Dynamics, LLC · NIH-11390950 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A portable, wireless device helps adults with ACL injury or knee osteoarthritis practice quick, instability-based leg movements at home to ease pain and improve function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neuromuscular Dynamics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Crescenta, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $682,217 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG090114-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11390950 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with ACL injury or knee OA who can use a home device and access the cloud-enabled system.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to home internet or who cannot safely perform the device-based exercises may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports testing a home-based Leg Dexerity System that uses a small, unstable platform to train knee and leg muscles through short, rapid sensorimotor tasks. Participants will perform eight weeks of guided exercises at home, with a tablet providing feedback and data uploaded securely to a clinician-visible cloud. The study compares this training to stable leg presses in a blinded, dose-matched design to see if the unstable training reduces pain and improves function in non-surgical knee care. If successful, the project will help bring a clinically validated, patient-friendly option for managing knee OA and ACL-related issues outside the clinic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could use this home device to reduce knee pain and improve function without surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work on home-based sensorimotor training has shown promise in improving knee function, but this specific unstable-foot–ground training is a novel approach needing validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Neuromuscular Dynamics, LLC
La Crescenta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valero, Erika — Neuromuscular Dynamics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Valero, Erika
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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.