Improving grasping ability after spinal cord injury
Grasping Function after Spinal Cord Injury
This study is looking at ways to help people with cervical spinal cord injuries improve their ability to grasp objects, which is important for everyday tasks like eating and dressing, by using special brain stimulation techniques along with training to boost their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hines, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139375 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the ability to grasp objects in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), which is crucial for daily activities like eating and dressing. The study aims to understand the physiological pathways that control grasping behaviors and to develop tailored non-invasive stimulation techniques combined with motor training to maximize recovery. By focusing on two types of grasping—precision and power grips—the research seeks to improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Advanced techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional MRI (fMRI) will be employed to assess and stimulate the brain pathways involved in these movements.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries who experience impaired grasping abilities.
Not a fit: Patients with spinal cord injuries at levels other than cervical or those without significant grasping impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the independence and quality of life for individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in improving motor functions through non-invasive stimulation techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Hines, United States
- Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital — Hines, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perez, Monica a — Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
- Study coordinator: Perez, Monica a
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 below.