Wearable exoskeleton that provides on-demand leg stretching for people with spasticity
Official title: Leg Stretching Using a Controllable Wearable Exoskeleton on Demand for People with Spasticity
Funded at Syracuse VA Medical Center · NIH-11472332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project offers a wearable robotic device that provides on-demand leg stretching to help people with spasticity from spinal cord injury or brain injury reduce spasms and improve movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004652-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11472332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with lower-limb spasticity due to upper motor neuron injuries (for example spinal cord injury, stroke, or brain trauma) who can consent and are able to attend clinic visits would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with fixed joint contractures, severe skin breakdown at the device site, or medical contraindications to using an external limb device may not benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
You would use a lightweight, controllable wearable exoskeleton that gently stretches your leg on demand, rather than relying only on manual stretching by caregivers. The device is designed to deliver regular, repeatable stretches to reduce muscle stiffness, improve joint range of motion, and lower pain and pressure injury risk. Researchers will test the device with people who have upper motor neuron spasticity to see how well it works in real-world care and whether it eases the burden on caregivers. The team will monitor safety, comfort, and changes in spasm frequency, range of motion, and daily function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could reduce spasms and stiffness, improve mobility and comfort, and lessen caregiver burden.
How similar studies have gone: Early robotic stretching and wearable-exoskeleton studies have shown promise for reducing spasticity and improving range of motion, but on-demand wearable leg-stretchers remain relatively new and need further testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Syracuse VA Medical Center
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brose, Steven W. — Syracuse VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Brose, Steven W.
Related research
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Cerebellum-targeted deep brain stimulation for severe movement problems and spasticity in cerebral palsy
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Non‑invasive spinal stimulation to reduce spasms, pain, and improve movement after spinal cord injury
This project uses gentle electrical pulses over the skin of the spine to reduce muscle spasms, ease neuropathic pain, and help movement for people with spinal cord injury.
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Using non-invasive stimulation to reduce spasticity and improve movement after spinal cord injury
This study is looking at how gentle spinal cord stimulation can help people with spinal cord injuries feel less stiffness and regain better movement, making it a friendly option for improving recovery.
-
Using brain stimulation to improve movement in children with cerebral palsy
This study is looking at how a special treatment called deep brain stimulation can help kids and young adults with cerebral palsy by improving their movement and reducing stiffness, and we're inviting ten participants to see if this approach makes a difference for them.
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.