Improving ankle-foot orthoses for better mobility and balance
Official title: Assessing Design Trade-Offs in an Orthosis with Enhanced Functionality and Customizability
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11076659 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of ankle-foot brace to help people with foot drop walk better by making it easier to move while still providing support, and they’re looking for participants who have foot drop from nerve damage to help test it out.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 14, 2024 |
| Project end | March 13, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $47,466 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HD115309-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076659 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing foot drop due to peroneal nerve damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without foot drop or those who do not have balance disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), which are devices used to assist individuals with balance disorders and foot drop. The project aims to develop a new type of orthosis called the Decoupled Energy Storage and Return Variable Stiffness Orthosis (DESR-VSO), which features a unique cam-based mechanism to improve energy efficiency and joint movement. By testing various designs, the researchers hope to optimize the balance between providing support and allowing for natural movement during walking. Patients with foot drop due to peroneal nerve damage will be involved in the evaluation phase to determine the most effective design for future clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective orthotic devices that enhance mobility and reduce the risk of falls for patients with foot drop.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving orthotic devices, but this specific approach using variable stiffness and energy recycling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bywater, Emily Ann — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Bywater, Emily Ann
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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.