Training to improve walking balance for stroke survivors
Official title: Movement Amplification Training to Enhance Walking Balance Post-Stroke
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10725856 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping people who have had a stroke walk better and feel more balanced by using a special robot while they walk on a treadmill, making it easier for them to notice and fix any wobbles in their steps.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $426,137 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD112813-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10725856 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a chronic stroke and struggle with walking balance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or those with acute stroke conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on helping individuals who have experienced a stroke improve their walking balance, which is often compromised. The approach involves using a specially designed cable-driven robot that creates a Movement Amplification Environment (MAE) during treadmill walking. This environment applies lateral forces to the pelvis, helping participants better perceive and correct their movement errors. The study will assess both immediate and long-term effects of this training on walking balance and daily walking activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the walking balance and independence of stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using robotic assistance for gait training, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, Keith Edward — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gordon, Keith Edward
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.
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Multisensory support to improve standing balance after stroke
This project uses extra sensory feedback to help people with long-term stroke improve their standing balance.
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How the brain helps people keep standing balance as we age or after a stroke
This project measures brain activity while young adults, older adults, and people who have had a stroke do balance tasks to learn how the brain helps keep you steady.
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STABLE: a balance-first gait program for people after stroke
A specialized treadmill training using a cable-driven robot to improve balance and walking for people after a stroke.
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Understanding how the brain controls balance in older adults and stroke survivors
This study is looking at how the brain helps us keep our balance, especially in older adults and those who have had a stroke, to find better ways to help people who struggle with balance.
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.