Using affordable robots to assess cognitive and motor skills in people living with HIV and stroke
Official title: Affordable Robot-Based Assessment of Cognitive and Motor Impairment in People Living with HIV and HIV-Stroke
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10884291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating affordable robotic tools to help people living with HIV in places like Botswana improve their thinking and movement skills, making rehabilitation easier and more effective for those dealing with brain and stroke issues related to HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $182,565 |
| NIH project number | 5R21TW012659-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884291 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing cognitive and motor impairments, particularly those residing in low and middle-income countries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or related cognitive and motor impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and implement affordable robotic technologies to assess and treat cognitive and motor impairments in individuals living with HIV, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Botswana. The project focuses on creating objective assessment tools and rehabilitation methods to address the neurological complications associated with HIV and HIV-related strokes. By utilizing robot therapy systems and engaging exergames, the research seeks to provide effective rehabilitation solutions for those affected by HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and strokes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients by providing accessible and effective rehabilitation tools for cognitive and motor impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using robotic technologies for rehabilitation, but this specific approach targeting HIV-related impairments is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Michelle J. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Michelle J.
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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.