Developing a device to help restore walking in people with partial paralysis
Official title: Preparing for a clinical trial to implement a fully implanted neuroprosthesis to restore walking after partial paralysis
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-10996763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help Veterans with spinal cord injuries, strokes, or multiple sclerosis walk better and more safely in their everyday lives by testing a special device that stimulates their muscles, and it’s making sure the device is safe for those who need regular MRI scans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1IU1RX005303-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996763 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include Veterans with incomplete spinal cord injuries, strokes, or multiple sclerosis who experience difficulties with walking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete paralysis or those who do not have conditions affecting their walking ability may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the ability of Veterans with incomplete spinal cord injuries, strokes, or multiple sclerosis to walk more effectively and safely in their communities. It focuses on a fully implanted neuroprosthesis that stimulates peripheral nerves to support weak or paralyzed muscles based on real-time feedback from the user's movements. The project will prepare for clinical trials by verifying essential pre-clinical tests, including MRI compatibility and battery life assessments, to ensure the device can be safely used by patients who require regular MRI scans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mobility and independence for patients with partial paralysis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroprosthetic devices for hand function, indicating potential for success in similar applications for walking.
Where this research is happening
-
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pinault, Gilles — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Pinault, Gilles
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Neuromuscular Junction Problems in Hyperkalemic Paralysis
A clinician-scientist is pursuing five years of advanced training and research to better understand and care for people with neuromuscular diseases related to hyperkalemic paralysis.
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Restoring movement after paralysis with AI-powered copilots
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CoPE II: Personalizing patient-reported outcomes for vocal fold paralysis care
Aimed at tailoring patient-reported outcome measures to each person with unilateral vocal fold paralysis to better guide treatment decisions.
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Mobile brain-computer interface to help veterans with paralysis control devices
Aimed at improving a mobile brain-computer interface to help veterans with paralysis better control assistive devices at home.
-
Preventing awareness during paralysis in emergency ventilated patients and reducing PTSD
This project will change emergency department medication defaults to cut back on a paralytic drug and see if that lowers the chance that adults put on ventilators wake up while paralyzed and later develop PTSD.
-
Muscle stem cells to repair paralyzed vocal cords
This project uses muscle-derived stem cells to rebuild and strengthen paralyzed vocal cords in adults with vocal fold paralysis.
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.