Helping paraplegic individuals regain the ability to walk
Official title: Transformation of Paraplegic Paralysis to Overground Stepping in Humans
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10686352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to help people with complete paralysis walk and move again by using safe spinal cord stimulation and medications, along with training in a special suit, to improve their mobility and overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $533,143 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS102920-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10686352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with complete paralysis due to spinal cord injuries who are seeking to regain locomotor function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with incomplete paralysis or those whose paralysis is due to conditions other than spinal cord injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates innovative methods to enable individuals with complete paralysis to regain the ability to walk and perform voluntary movements. By using noninvasive spinal cord stimulation combined with pharmacological treatments, the study aims to enhance motor control in paralyzed subjects. The approach includes training with an exoskeleton to improve mobility and quality of life for participants. The research builds on previous successes in animal models and aims to translate these findings to human applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mobility and independence for individuals with paraplegia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ovechkin, Alexander Vladimirovich — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Ovechkin, Alexander Vladimirovich
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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.