Improving blood flow control after spinal cord injury using nerve stimulation and rehabilitation
Official title: Enhancing Sympathetic Outflow Control Following Spinal Cord Injury Using Targeted Plasticity Therapy
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11034111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using vagus nerve stimulation during rehab exercises can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries improve their movement and reduce muscle fatigue, making it easier for them to regain control and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $448,482 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131493-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced cervical spinal cord injuries and are facing challenges with blood flow control and muscle endurance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries at levels other than cervical or those with other complicating health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how vagus nerve stimulation combined with rehabilitation can improve sympathetic outflow control in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. By stimulating the vagus nerve during rehabilitation exercises, the study aims to enhance the brain's ability to reorganize and improve motor control systems. The researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in restoring blood flow and reducing muscle fatigue, which are common issues following such injuries. The study will also explore the best methods for delivering this stimulation to maximize patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with cervical spinal cord injuries by enhancing their ability to control blood flow and reduce muscle fatigue.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using nerve stimulation techniques for enhancing motor control and recovery in similar patient populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ganzer, Patrick D — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ganzer, Patrick D
Related research
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Corticospinal neurons and recovery of precise forelimb movement after spinal cord injury
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How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
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A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
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From Neural Control of Movement to Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury
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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Polaris: a compact system to help motor recovery after spinal cord injury and stroke
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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Predicting and Preventing Chronic Aspiration After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
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.