Improving arm and hand movement for people with severe spinal cord injuries
Official title: RR&D Research Career Scientist Application
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-11141576 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new technologies to help people with severe neck injuries regain movement in their arms and hands, making it easier for them to do everyday tasks and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6RX004284-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141576 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with high cervical spinal cord injuries (C1-C4) who experience extensive paralysis and require assistance with daily living activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lower-level spinal cord injuries or those without significant paralysis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced technologies to help individuals with high cervical spinal cord injuries regain control of their arm and hand movements. The approach includes creating functional electrical stimulation systems that enable movement, brain-computer interfaces that allow users to command these movements intuitively, and musculoskeletal models tailored to the unique needs of these patients. By integrating these technologies, the research aims to enhance the independence and quality of life for those affected by severe paralysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability of individuals with high cervical spinal cord injuries to perform daily activities independently.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using brain-computer interfaces and functional electrical stimulation for rehabilitation, indicating a strong potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirsch, Robert F. — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kirsch, Robert F.
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.