Improving breathing function in people with spinal cord injuries
Official title: Neuromodulatory rehabilitation for respiratory motor function in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11078346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help people with chronic spinal cord injuries breathe better by using gentle electrical stimulation on the spine along with special breathing exercises, aiming to improve their breathing and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $341,585 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168294-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries who experience respiratory motor control deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute spinal cord injuries or those without respiratory motor control deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance respiratory motor control in individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries through a novel rehabilitation strategy. The approach combines non-invasive electrical spinal cord stimulation with a specific respiratory training protocol to activate and reorganize spinal motor networks responsible for breathing. By measuring muscle activation patterns and pulmonary function, the study seeks to identify optimal stimulation parameters that can improve respiratory function and promote neural plasticity. Patients may experience improved breathing capabilities, which are crucial for daily activities and overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve respiratory function and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in improving respiratory function through similar neuromodulatory techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ovechkin, Alexander Vladimirovich — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Ovechkin, Alexander Vladimirovich
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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.