Improving arm recovery after spinal cord injury
Official title: Enhancing Forelimb Recovery by Promoting Forelimb Corticospinal Tract Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-10977051 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help people with spinal cord injuries, especially those with quadriplegia, regain movement in their arms by figuring out how to make nerve pathways grow back better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003776-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977051 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries resulting in loss of arm function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries that do not affect arm function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates ways to enhance the regeneration of nerve pathways that control arm movement after spinal cord injuries. By using advanced techniques like RNA sequencing, the study aims to understand why nerve fibers for the arms do not regenerate as effectively as those for the legs. The researchers will explore experimental methods to promote the growth of these nerve fibers, potentially leading to better recovery of arm function. This work is particularly focused on patients with quadriplegia who have lost the ability to use their arms due to spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved arm function and greater independence for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing nerve regeneration in spinal cord injuries, but this specific approach targeting forelimb recovery is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Pengzhe — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Lu, Pengzhe
Related research
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A patient-focused project aims to translate how brain signals control movement after spinal cord injury into new treatments that improve muscle function and reduce spasticity.
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A new, easy-to-use device called Polaris may help people with spinal cord injury, stroke, or other chronic conditions regain movement by guiding a specialized reflex-based therapy.
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This project looks at swallowing problems and chronic aspiration in adults with traumatic neck spine injuries to find patterns that could prevent serious lung complications.
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.