Implanted biomimetic device to prevent pressure injuries in people with spinal cord injury

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project aims to translate an implanted pattern generator that mimics natural body movements to keep skin and tissue healthy for Veterans with spinal cord injury. By delivering controlled intermittent stimulation to gluteal muscles, it supports regular weight shifting and improves blood flow to reduce tissue breakdown. The approach builds on prior work with external stimulators and moves toward a fully implanted system that fits into daily activities without extra attachments.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
  Cleveland, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Bogie, Kath — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Bogie, Kath

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Personalized prediction of pressure sores after spinal cord injury

  This project will use body measures, muscle fat levels, and genetic information to predict which people with spinal cord injury are most likely to develop pressure sores so prevention can be personalized.

  NIH research Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11415415

• Automated bedside screening to detect pressure injuries across diverse patients

  A pragmatic, automated method using thermal imaging to help nurses spot pressure injuries early for a wide range of patients.

  NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11392469

• Identifying risk factors for pressure injuries in people with spinal cord injuries

  This study is looking into why some people with spinal cord injuries get pressure injuries while others don’t, and it aims to find ways to predict who might be at risk so that we can help them stay healthy and improve their quality of life.

  NIH research Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11193210

• Preventing pressure injuries after spinal cord injury with a clinic decision tool

  A short questionnaire plus a provider report to help Veterans with spinal cord injury spot and prevent pressure sores.

  NIH research Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital · Hines, United States · NIH-11178113

• Preventing bed sores in nursing homes by finding early skin changes

  This project is testing a new way to find early skin changes that could lead to bed sores, helping nursing home residents avoid these painful injuries.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11137082

• Detecting skin changes to prevent pressure injuries in nursing homes

  This study is looking at a new way to spot early signs of pressure injuries in nursing home residents by measuring moisture just under the skin, helping caregivers take action before any damage happens, especially for those with darker skin tones.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-10872205

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.