Improving breathing recovery after cervical spinal cord injury
Official title: Combinatorial respiratory rehabilitation approaches to enhance breathing recovery after cervical spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11106271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to help people with cervical spinal cord injuries breathe better by combining special breathing exercises with short periods of low oxygen, aiming to boost their recovery and strengthen their breathing muscles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $449,391 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS142310-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11106271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic, incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries who experience breathing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete cervical spinal cord injuries or those without respiratory impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates new treatment strategies to enhance breathing recovery in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. It focuses on combining therapeutic acute intermittent hypoxia with specific respiratory training exercises to strengthen the neural pathways responsible for breathing. The approach aims to harness the body's natural ability to adapt and recover, particularly in cases of incomplete spinal cord injuries. By studying the effects of physical exercise and exposure to elevated carbon dioxide levels, the research seeks to identify effective methods for improving respiratory function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve breathing ability and quality of life for patients with cervical spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that combining therapeutic approaches can be effective in enhancing recovery in other motor systems, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez-Rothi, Elisa J. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez-Rothi, Elisa J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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Spinal Direct Current Stimulation to Improve Breathing After Cervical Cord Injury
A non-invasive therapy using gentle electrical stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries breathe better.
-
Combining breathing therapies to help restore breathing after neck-level spinal cord injury
This project will see whether brief bursts of low oxygen combined with breathing exercises or exercise can help people with chronic neck spinal cord injuries breathe better.
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Transplanting Lab-Grown Human Neurons to Help cervical spinal cord injuries
Researchers are testing whether transplanting lab-made human neurons into the neck portion of the spinal cord can improve arm and hand function after injury.
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Neural repair for chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injury with NgR blockade plus rehab
Aiming to help adults with long-standing incomplete cervical spinal cord injury improve movement and function by blocking a specific nerve signal pathway and adding targeted rehabilitation.
-
Using a mobile robot to help people with severe spinal cord injuries live more independently
This study is working on a friendly robot that can help people with tetraplegia do everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating, making life a little easier and more independent while also supporting their emotional needs.
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.