Using electrical stimulation to improve balance training for stroke survivors at risk of falling
Official title: NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation to facilitate perturbation-based REACtive balance Training for fall-risk reduction post-stroke: The REACTplusNMES Trial
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10731611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people who have had a stroke and struggle with balance, by using a special training program that combines electrical stimulation with balance exercises to make it easier for them to stay steady and avoid falls.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $439,255 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD112862-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10731611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke who have moderate to severe impairments and are at risk of falling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of stroke or those with mild impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to prevent falls in individuals who have experienced a stroke and have moderate to severe impairments. It combines neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with a balance training method called REACT, which involves creating controlled disturbances to improve balance responses. The goal is to enhance the ability of the affected limb to respond effectively during unexpected balance challenges, thereby reducing the risk of falls. Participants will engage in training sessions designed to improve their reactive balance in a safe environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of falls among stroke survivors, improving their safety and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar interventions combining electrical stimulation and balance training, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhatt, Tanvi — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Bhatt, Tanvi
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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Smartphone coaching to prevent falls after stroke and train researchers
A smartphone-based coaching tool is being developed to help stroke survivors move more safely and reduce fall risk, with training opportunities for students at a major technical university.
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Modular Balance Walkway to Prevent Falls in Older Adults
A team is building a modular, clinic-friendly walkway that simulates real-world slipping and tripping to help older adults stay steady and safe.
-
Fall risk clues after stroke to help prevent future falls
Researchers are testing a quick fall-risk tool for people recently discharged after stroke to better predict and prevent falls.
-
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.
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.