MINT conditioning to improve post-stroke walking with a wearable device
Official title: MINT conditioning to improve post-stroke gait
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11373068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A wearable, wireless EMG-based system called MINT helps people who’ve had a stroke re-train leg muscles to walk more easily, especially at home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $676,161 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113270-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11373068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic stroke and impaired leg movement who can use a wearable device at home.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic stroke, those unable to use wearable EMG sensors, or individuals with conditions preventing safe home-based therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds a wireless, wearable MINT system with engaging, game-like software to encourage home-based therapy for stroke survivors. It tests whether MINT conditioning can reduce abnormal co-activation of leg muscles and improve gait and walking speed in chronic stroke patients. The study also aims to understand why some people respond to MINT conditioning by examining the underlying mechanisms of muscle re-activation and motor learning. If successful, the device could become an affordable at-home therapy that complements clinic visits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience improved walking ability and quality of life through a convenient home-based therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests MINT can improve arm movement and suggests potential for leg improvements, but leg-focused home-based conditioning is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slutzky, Marc W. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Slutzky, Marc W.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Movement-Enhanced Walking Training to Improve Balance After Stroke
A specialized treadmill training using a cable-driven device, called Movement Amplification Environment (MAE), helps people with chronic stroke improve walking balance by enhancing their own movement awareness.
-
Teleassessment of gait and balance after stroke to expand remote rehabilitation
A multi-site study tests simple remote gait and balance tests for stroke survivors to enable safer, easier rehabilitation from home.
-
How stroke and Botox affect ankle stiffness during walking
This project looks at how stroke and Botox (Botulinum Neurotoxin) change ankle stiffness and resistance during walking in people with gait problems.
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Characterization of how stroke affects both ankles during standing and walking
This grant studies how stroke changes ankle movement in both legs during standing and walking to help improve posture and gait for stroke survivors.
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Immersive VR Overground Gait Rehab for Stroke Survivors
A study tests an immersive virtual reality program to help stroke survivors practice walking in real-world-like settings.
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Better Electrical Stimulation for Walking After Stroke
This project is developing a smarter electrical stimulation device to help people walk more easily after a stroke, especially those who experience footdrop.
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.