Using robots to enhance stroke rehabilitation in the community

Leveraging Robot-Based Haptic Dyads to Improve Community-Based Stroke Rehabilitation

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10998763

This study is looking at how using fun robotic games can help older stroke survivors recover by making therapy more engaging and social, so they can connect with others while improving their movement and communication skills.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10998763 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving rehabilitation for stroke survivors, particularly older adults, by utilizing affordable robotic technology in community settings. It aims to create a multiplayer rehabilitation experience where individuals can interact through haptic feedback, which involves sensations like touch and vibration. By studying how people with different levels of motor and cognitive impairments communicate during these interactions, the research seeks to enhance the design of robotic therapy games. This approach not only aims to make rehabilitation more engaging but also to leverage social connections to motivate patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have experienced a stroke and may have varying levels of motor and cognitive impairments.

Not a fit: Patients who are not stroke survivors or those who do not have any motor or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and accessible rehabilitation methods for stroke survivors, improving their recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using robotic and haptic technologies for rehabilitation, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.