Enhancing arm movement control after paralysis
Official title: Improving intracortical control of reaching after paralysis
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10879119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with paralysis from spinal cord injuries move their arms again by using special technology that reads brain signals and stimulates muscles, so they can control their movements just by thinking about them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $554,981 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS119160-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10879119 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis of the arms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete paralysis that cannot be addressed by current technological interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the ability to control arm movements in individuals with paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries. It utilizes advanced technology, including implanted microelectrodes that detect brain signals and stimulating electrodes that activate muscles, to restore movement. The study aims to refine algorithms that translate brain activity into precise muscle stimulation, allowing patients to move their arms using their thoughts. By testing these methods in both human and animal models, the research seeks to develop effective strategies for regaining independence in daily activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with paralysis by restoring their ability to perform daily tasks independently.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar technologies to restore movement in patients with paralysis, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Dawn Marie — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Dawn Marie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Restoring movement after paralysis with AI-powered copilots
A patient-facing AI-aided system would help people with paralysis perform everyday tasks by interpreting the user’s intent and guiding assistive robots.
-
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.
-
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.