Using a robotic arm brace to help stroke survivors regain arm movement
Official title: Exoskeleton Research: Myoelectric orthosis for rehab of severe chronic arm motor deficits
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-11065425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help stroke survivors with limited arm movement get better using a special robotic device called MyoPro, combined with therapy that focuses on learning new movements, so participants can practice both in the clinic and at home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003674-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are stroke survivors who have severe arm motor deficits and limited ability to move their affected arm.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild arm deficits or those who do not have a history of stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to help stroke survivors with severe arm deficits regain movement using a device called MyoPro, which is a robotic orthosis that assists with arm movement. The study combines this device with motor learning-based therapy to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. Participants will engage in therapy sessions that include both in-clinic and home practice, allowing them to practice arm movements more effectively. The research aims to evaluate how well this method works and understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve arm function and quality of life for stroke survivors with severe motor deficits.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results from similar approaches using robotic devices in rehabilitation have shown promising improvements in arm function, indicating potential success for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pundik, Svetlana — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Pundik, Svetlana
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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.