Access-H20: Sensor-driven Smart Faucet

Completed · Phase 2

Conditions studied: Spinal Cord Injury Cervical

In brief

The objective of the SBIR Phase II study is to evaluate the updated Access-H2O™ system, a sensor-driven smart faucet developed during the Phase I SBIR project, to enhance independent drinking and grooming among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in both clinical and home settings. SCI significantly impairs functional independence and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), with greater loss of function associated with higher and more complete injuries. In particular, individuals with injuries above the C5-C7 level often experience substantial upper extremity impairment, limiting their ability to use their arms and hands for essential tasks such as eating, drinking, and grooming. Access to water is therefore critical for supporting independence and facilitating the successful completion of ADLs in this population. The commercialization of a smart faucet system capable of automatically delivering water at target temperature, flow rate, and nozzle settings tailored to specific ADLs has the potential to substantially improve independence and quality of life for individuals with SCI. The Access-H2O™ faucet was developed and tested during the SBIR Phase I project in 2024 and was subsequently upgraded and refined based on Phase I findings. Participants with SCI, along with control participants, were recruited to evaluate the feasibility and usability of the enhanced faucet system in both clinical and in-home settings. The updated system incorporates voice, motion, and remote-control interfaces to regulate water flow and temperature for ADLs, including drinking, grooming, and washing.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07062796

Run by

Old Dominion University

People needed

40

Starts

2025-06-03

Expected to finish

2026-04-13

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-10

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 90. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Individuals with ages 18 to 90 years old are eligible for the study. Individuals should have been screened by a physical or occupational therapist to verify your spinal cord injury (SCI), they are able to follow instructions, they are able to move their eyes and head up, down, and right to activate sensors, and they are able to safely access a bathroom at home.

You may not qualify if…

• Individuals have cognitive deficits, mental health, or medical conditions that would keep them from participating in this study.
• Year 2 study:
• Inclusion
• (1) age 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of SCI; (2) residence in a home environment that can support installation of the Access H2O™ smart faucet; (3) ability to provide informed consent or have a legal guardian provide consent on their behalf; (4) stable health status, as determined by clinical evaluation; (5) ability to move the head up, down, left, and right to activate sensors; (6) ability to safely access the sink area where the Access H2O™ faucet is installed; and (7) literacy and ability to follow instructions within the Access H2O™ mobile app.
• Exclusion
• (1) severe cognitive impairment that prevents the participant from using the device as intended; (2) any medical condition that contraindicates the use of the Access H2O™ smart faucet; and (3) participation in another clinical trial that could interfere with the outcomes of this study.

Where it is running

• Monarch Physical Therapy Clinic — Norfolk, Virginia, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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