Improving Movement After Stroke
Effect of Neural Constraints on Movement in Stroke
This research explores if a medication called Tizanidine can help people regain better movement in their arm and hand after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141817 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people face challenges like muscle weakness, stiffness, and difficulty controlling their arm and hand after a stroke. Our previous work suggests that high levels of a brain chemical called norepinephrine (NE) might contribute to these movement problems. We believe that by lowering NE levels, we can help the brain use more direct pathways for movement and improve arm and hand function. This project will test if Tizanidine, a medication that can reduce NE, can make a difference for people living with chronic stroke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals experiencing chronic weakness and movement difficulties in their arm and hand following a stroke.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic hemiparetic stroke or whose movement issues stem from causes other than elevated spinal norepinephrine may not receive direct benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could offer a new way to improve arm and hand movement for individuals living with the long-term effects of stroke.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon extensive prior research by the same team, which has identified key mechanisms related to motor neuron excitability post-stroke.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dewald, Julius P — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Dewald, Julius P
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.