Award
United States Department of Veterans Affairs 5I21RX004652-03
Leg Stretching Using a Controllable Wearable Exoskeleton on Demand for People with Spasticity
Recipient
Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, United States
Awarded
February 06, 2026
Identifier
5I21RX004652-03
Development of a wearable exoskeleton to provide automated leg stretching for veterans with spasticity, aiming to improve independence and reduce caregiver burden through a non-invasive device.
Description
The project aims to develop a wearable, portable leg exoskeleton to assist veterans with spasticity in stretching their legs without human assistance. It involves integrating a wearable exoskeleton with a closed-loop control algorithm to provide safe, automated joint forces for dynamic leg stretching. The study will evaluate safety, acceptability, ease of use, and user satisfaction in 10 veterans with spasticity. The device is designed to be used in both bed and sitting positions, with customized stretching rates to accommodate different ranges of motion. This research seeks to establish the feasibility of a non-invasive, non-pharmacological tool to manage spasticity, potentially reducing caregiver burden and improving quality of life.