Predicting lower-leg fracture risk during exoskeleton-assisted walking after spinal cord injury
Official title: Identification of New Biomarkers for Determining Risk of Lower Extremity Fracture during Exoskeleton-assisted Ambulation: Developing a Personal Rehabilitation Approach to Optimize Function after SCI
Funded at James J Peters VA Medical Center · NIH-11418692 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses scans and movement data to predict which people with recent spinal cord injuries might have a higher risk of leg fractures when walking with a robotic exoskeleton.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James J Peters VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003561-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418692 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with recent (acute) spinal cord injury who are candidates for or interested in exoskeleton-assisted walking, particularly those with signs of lower-limb bone loss.
✕Less likely to help
People without spinal cord injury, those not planning to use an exoskeleton, or patients with long-standing, stabilized bone changes unlikely to be altered by these measures may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
If you have a recent spinal cord injury, researchers will collect CT scans, bone density and body-composition measurements, and possible blood markers to look for weak bone below your injury. They will also record 3-D movement and acceleration while you use a robotic exoskeleton to see how walking stresses the knee and nearby bones. The team will combine imaging, sensor, and biomarker data to build personalized models of fracture risk. The aim is to use those models to guide safer rehab plans and exoskeleton prescriptions for people with SCI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help clinicians identify who can safely use exoskeletons and tailor rehabilitation to reduce the chance of painful lower-limb fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows exoskeletons can improve body composition and quality of life, but using imaging plus movement biomarkers to predict fracture risk is a newer approach with limited prior testing.
Where this research is happening
-
James J Peters VA Medical Center
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harel, Noam Y. — James J Peters VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Harel, Noam Y.
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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.