Central modulation-paired motor rehabilitation for RLN injury in the larynx
Official title: Central modulation-paired motor rehabilitation for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11372928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at people with recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, this project tests a central nervous system approach to restore vocal fold movement and improve swallowing and voice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $586,766 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021990-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with RLN injury causing vocal fold paralysis or reduced glottic mobility who face swallowing difficulties and voice impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with RLN injury outside the scope of the central modulation approach or with irreversible muscle loss may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores a strategy to restore movement of the vocal folds after RLN injury by reorganizing brain pathways that control laryngeal muscles. Researchers plan to pair targeted central nervous system modulation with peripheral nerve signals to enhance glottic function and promote safer swallowing and clearer voice. The work uses a rat model to understand how central and peripheral interventions might reinstate coordinated laryngeal movements and reduce aspiration risk, with a view toward translating promising findings to people who have lost vocal fold mobility. Outcomes will focus on movement restoration, airway protection during swallowing, and improvements in communication-related quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve swallowing safety and vocal function for patients with RLN injury, reducing pneumonia risk and improving communication.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies suggest that central modulation can influence peripheral motor recovery, but human translation remains exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shembel, Adrianna — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Shembel, Adrianna
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.