Exploring how spinal cord injuries affect movement in young versus adult animals
Official title: Identifying novel trunk reflexes and their differences after neonatal versus adult spinal cord injury
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10753793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how young and adult animals, like cats and rats, respond differently after spinal cord injuries, hoping to find out why younger ones can often move better afterward, which could help develop new treatments for people with similar injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $411,941 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS134232-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10753793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries, particularly those who are younger or have sustained injuries at a young age.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced spinal cord injuries or those with injuries that occurred in adulthood may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences in trunk reflexes following spinal cord injuries in neonatal and adult animals, particularly focusing on cats and rats. The study aims to understand why some young animals can regain useful movement after such injuries while adults cannot. By examining the underlying mechanisms of trunk control and reflex pathways, the research seeks to identify potential new therapies that could improve recovery in humans with spinal cord injuries. The approach includes detailed electrophysiological assessments to uncover how these reflexes function and differ between age groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that enhance recovery of movement in patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding recovery mechanisms in neonatal spinal cord injuries, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Giszter, Simon F — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Giszter, Simon F
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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.