Mobile manual standing wheelchair to help people stand more and move while upright
Official title: Impact of Mobile Manual Standing Wheelchair on Standing Dosage and Utility
Funded at Minneapolis VA Medical Center · NIH-11414754 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A mobile manual standing wheelchair designed to help people with spinal cord injury stand more often and move around while standing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Minneapolis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003505-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11414754 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with spinal cord injury who use a wheelchair, can tolerate standing, and can operate or be assisted to use a mobile manual standing wheelchair are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with medical contraindications to standing (for example unstable fractures, severe osteoporosis, or certain cardiovascular conditions) or those unable to transfer or operate the device may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project provides a new mobile manual standing wheelchair (MMSW) to Veterans with spinal cord injury so they can stand and move during daily life. The device is designed for easy access, straightforward standing, mobility in both seated and standing positions, natural propulsion, stability, and independent use. Researchers will track standing dose with wearable sensors and collect clinical measures related to skin health, bladder function, bone density, and community participation. Testing will include clinic trials and use in home and community settings to see how the chair fits into everyday routines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could increase standing time, expand functional activities while upright, and help reduce problems like pressure sores, bone loss, and bladder issues.
How similar studies have gone: Early in-lab pilot testing reported improved functional mobility and stability with the device, but larger real-world evidence is still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hansen, Andrew H. — Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hansen, Andrew H.
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.