Improving breathing function after spinal cord injuries using electrical stimulation
Official title: Closed-loop epidural stimulation: respiratory motor plasticity and neural underpinnings
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11070430 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of electrical stimulation to the spinal cord can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries breathe better, which might even lessen their need for breathing machines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $43,163 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL174079-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070430 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have sustained cervical spinal cord injuries and experience breathing dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries at levels other than cervical or those without respiratory dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how closed-loop electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can enhance breathing capacity in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. By applying sub-threshold electrical currents, the study aims to stimulate the phrenic motor network, which is crucial for respiratory function. The approach focuses on understanding the conditions that maximize the benefits of this stimulation and the underlying mechanisms involved. Patients may experience improved respiratory function both during and after the stimulation treatment, potentially reducing their reliance on mechanical ventilation.
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 breathe independently.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar electrical stimulation techniques in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mickle, Alyssa Richelle — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Mickle, Alyssa Richelle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.
-
Photobiomodulation for jaw pain from TMD
A clinician-scientist at the University of Florida is testing a light-based therapy to help adults with temporomandibular disorder pain feel better and jaw function improve.
-
How the brain controls swallowing and airway protection
A research team at the University of Florida is studying how brain networks control swallowing to reduce risk of choking and lung infections in people with neuromuscular diseases.
-
Donor-driven 3D organoid platform to study pancreatic cancer drug response
A pilot project to create patient-derived, 3D organoid models of pancreatic cancer to measure how tumors from different people respond to chemotherapy.
-
RAAS inhibitors and pancreatic cancer risk in diverse adults
A Florida-based study will look at whether commonly used blood pressure medicines (RAAS inhibitors) are linked to new cases of pancreatic cancer, especially among Black and Hispanic adults.
-
Pilot project exploring new cancer drugs for pancreatic cancer in African American patients
A small, early-stage project tests new drug-derived compounds to treat pancreatic cancer, focusing on African American patients who are disproportionately affected.
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.