Robotic shoes that adjust foot stiffness in real-time
Portable, robotic footwear for real-time control of foot-ground stiffness
This study is testing a special type of robotic shoe that can change how stiff it feels when you walk, which could help people with balance and walking difficulties, like those caused by aging or neurological issues, to improve their movement and stability in everyday life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10833680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing portable robotic footwear that can change the stiffness at the foot-ground interface while walking. By modifying how the feet interact with the ground, the footwear aims to assist individuals with locomotor and balance dysfunction caused by various conditions, including aging and neurological disorders. The project seeks to enhance rehabilitation methods by providing a tool that can be used in both clinical and everyday settings, allowing for real-time adjustments to improve gait and balance. The research will also explore how humans adapt to these changes over time, contributing to a better understanding of motor learning.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing gait dysfunction or balance issues due to conditions like multiple sclerosis or age-related decline.
Not a fit: Patients with stable gait and balance or those who do not have any locomotor dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mobility and independence for patients with gait and balance disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using robotic devices for rehabilitation, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Hadley, United States
- University of Massachusetts Amherst — Hadley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huber, Meghan E — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Huber, Meghan E
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 below.