Using robot-assisted walking therapy to improve recovery after a stroke
Official title: Functional and neurophysiological effects of a progressive robot assisted gait intervention early post stroke
Funded at Kessler Foundation, INC. · NIH-10796771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether using robot-assisted walking therapy right after a stroke can help patients recover better and faster compared to regular care, so if you’ve had a stroke, you might be able to join and see if this new approach works for you!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kessler Foundation, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Hanover, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2019 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $637,590 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD099200-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10796771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced a stroke and are in the acute phase of recovery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the acute phase of stroke recovery or those with severe comorbidities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of an early intervention using robot-assisted walking therapy for stroke patients. The approach involves providing high-dosage gait training with the help of exoskeleton robots during the acute phase of recovery, which may enhance motor function and promote neuroplasticity. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either this innovative therapy or standard care, allowing researchers to compare the outcomes in terms of functional recovery and neuromuscular activation. The goal is to determine if starting intensive therapy sooner can lead to better recovery outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve motor function recovery for stroke patients, leading to better quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with robot-assisted therapies in rehabilitation, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Kessler Foundation, INC.
East Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nolan, Karen J. — Kessler Foundation, INC.
- Study coordinator: Nolan, Karen J.
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.
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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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MINT conditioning to improve post-stroke walking with a wearable device
A wearable, wireless EMG-based system called MINT helps people who’ve had a stroke re-train leg muscles to walk more easily, especially at home.
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How stroke and Botox affect ankle stiffness during walking
This project looks at how stroke and Botox (Botulinum Neurotoxin) change ankle stiffness and resistance during walking in people with gait problems.
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Characterization of how stroke affects both ankles during standing and walking
This grant studies how stroke changes ankle movement in both legs during standing and walking to help improve posture and gait for stroke survivors.
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Immersive VR Overground Gait Rehab for Stroke Survivors
A study tests an immersive virtual reality program to help stroke survivors practice walking in real-world-like settings.
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.