Wearable exoskeleton that provides on-demand leg stretching for people with spasticity
Leg Stretching Using a Controllable Wearable Exoskeleton on Demand for People with Spasticity
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · SYRACUSE VA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11472332
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
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SYRACUSE VA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11472332 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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, UNITED STATES
- SYRACUSE VA MEDICAL CENTER — SYRACUSE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BROSE, STEVEN W. — SYRACUSE VA MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: BROSE, STEVEN W.
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 below.