Funded Projects
Ongoing Projects
Reducing Health Disparities in Chronic Ankle Instability Diagnosis Among Hispanic Populations Using AI and Smartphone-Based Biomechanical Tools (funded by the Sobel-Duncan Border Health Research Award)
Ankle sprains are common and costly, and many lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI), which increases the risk of repeat injuries and early arthritis. Current diagnosis depends on patient surveys or expensive lab tests, both of which limit access in many communities.
This project develops AI-powered diagnostic tools using data from smartphone motion capture apps. We will test two approaches: analyzing full-body movement and estimating ground reaction forces. By focusing on Hispanic populations in the Paso del Norte region, we aim to create a low-cost, accurate, and accessible system to improve early diagnosis and prevention of CAI.
A Cost-Effective AI-Powered Mobile Health System for Enhanced Gait Assessment in Resource-Limited Settings (funded by the Pilot Seed Funding Program – UTEP Research & Innovation)
Accurately measuring how people walk (gait analysis) is essential for diagnosing and treating many movement-related disorders. However, traditional lab-based systems are expensive, require specialized equipment, and are often unavailable in low-resource settings. Smartphone apps can track joint movements at a low cost, but they are not reliable for measuring forces and stresses on the body, which are critical for clinical care.
Our study is developing an AI-powered mobile health system that combines smartphone video capture with wearable insole sensors. Using artificial intelligence grounded in physics principles, the system corrects and enhances the data so that it closely matches high-precision lab measurements. This approach will make gait assessment affordable, portable, and clinically useful even in underserved communities and low- and middle-income countries. By improving access to reliable gait analysis, the project aims to reduce health disparities and support better rehabilitation outcomes worldwide.
Enhancing AI-Based Diagnosis of Chronic Ankle Instability Through Optimized Biomechanical Marker Selection (funded by the Texas Advanced Computing Center)
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, and up to 70% of people who experience one develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). This condition leads to repeated sprains, abnormal walking and running patterns, and increases the risk of developing painful early arthritis. Current diagnostic methods rely on patient surveys and clinical observations, which can be subjective and influenced by language or cultural barriers.
Our project uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve how CAI is diagnosed. Instead of needing expensive motion capture labs, we are exploring ways to identify CAI using only a few simple markers—potentially collected with just smartphone cameras. Early work has shown that AI can detect CAI with over 80% accuracy from minimal data. We aim to refine these methods to push accuracy above 90%, making CAI diagnosis quicker, more objective, and more accessible for clinics and underserved populations.
An AI-Driven Biofeedback System for Accessible and Personalized Rehabilitation to Improve Running Mechanics and Prevent Recurrent Ankle Sprains in Chronic Ankle Instability (funded by the University Research Institute)
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common condition that can cause long-term ankle problems, pain, and even early arthritis. People with CAI often struggle with mobility and quality of life, and the condition creates a growing cost burden on the healthcare system. These challenges are especially significant in Hispanic communities, where health disparities limit access to preventative care and rehabilitation.
Our study is developing an affordable, AI-powered biofeedback system that uses wearable sensors to monitor how people run and move. The system provides real-time, personalized feedback through a portable, cloud-based platform, helping patients adjust their movement patterns and reduce their risk of repeat ankle sprains. By giving patients accessible tools to self-manage their rehabilitation, we aim to prevent further joint damage and improve long-term health outcomes.
