Using bionic exoskeletons to help stroke patients regain upper limb function
Official title: Patient-centered rehabilitation and dexterous assistive devices for stroke patients using bionic exoskeletons controlled by non-invasive electromyography
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11175712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new bionic devices that use muscle signals to help stroke patients regain movement and control of their arms and hands, making recovery easier and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $82,532 |
| NIH project number | 3DP5OD029571-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are stroke patients experiencing upper-limb hemiparesis, both acutely and chronically.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing assistive bionic devices controlled by non-invasive electromyography (EMG) to help stroke patients recover upper limb function. By adapting EMG-control algorithms, the project aims to improve hand dexterity and mobility for individuals with hemiparesis. The study will also analyze large datasets of muscle activity to track recovery progress and enhance the control of these devices using advanced deep learning techniques. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a patient-centered rehabilitation approach that is more effective than current methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for stroke patients by restoring motor function and independence in daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using bionic devices for rehabilitation, indicating that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in stroke recovery.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: George, Jacob Anthony — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: George, Jacob Anthony
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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ARISE-CARE: Using AI to Improve Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients
A stroke rehabilitation project uses AI to help therapists deliver higher-quality care and make documentation easier for clinicians, with patients who have had a stroke in mind.
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Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation to Improve Movement After Stroke
A new non-invasive technique called kilohertz Transcranial Magnetic Perturbation (kTMP) is being tested to improve arm movement in people who have chronic stroke.
-
Abbreviated heart MRI to quickly find stroke causes
A short MRI-based test is being developed to quickly and affordably identify the cause of an acute ischemic stroke in patients.
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New AI approach to detect and predict atrial fibrillation after stroke
A patient-friendly AI-based method is being developed to spot atrial fibrillation early in people who have had a stroke, using wearable heart-rate signals.
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Improving arm function recovery in stroke patients using advanced technology.
This study is looking to improve recovery for stroke patients by using smart technology to better understand how they move and feel right after a stroke, so that their rehabilitation can be personalized and more effective.
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MIND Diet for Dementia Prevention After Stroke
This project explores if a special diet called the MIND diet can help prevent memory and thinking problems in people who have recently had an ischemic stroke.
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.