Finding biomarkers to improve walking recovery in people with spinal cord injuries
Official title: Identifying predictive biomarkers for acute intermittent hypoxia induced motor recovery in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10951083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how short bursts of low oxygen might help people with partial spinal cord injuries walk better, and it aims to find out which patients could gain the most from this treatment to improve their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 2, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $305,447 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD115657-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries who are seeking to improve their mobility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete spinal cord injuries or those who do not have chronic mobility impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brief periods of low oxygen can help improve walking abilities in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries. By studying the underlying mechanisms of this approach, the researchers aim to identify specific biomarkers that predict which patients will benefit most from this treatment. The study will involve both laboratory experiments and clinical assessments to better understand how these interventions can enhance motor recovery. Ultimately, the goal is to optimize rehabilitation strategies for those affected by spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective rehabilitation strategies that significantly improve walking abilities in patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches in animal models, but this specific application in humans is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tan, Andrew Quesada — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Tan, Andrew Quesada
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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.