Improving movement and bladder control in people with spinal cord injuries
Official title: Inter-System Closed-Loop Control of Locomotor and Bladder Function in Individuals with Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Funded at Kessler Foundation, INC. · NIH-11108465 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how new techniques can help people with spinal cord injuries move better and manage their bladder more effectively by using special stimulation on the spinal cord, and it will involve working with participants to test these exciting new methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kessler Foundation, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Hanover, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,454,762 |
| NIH project number | 7UH3NS116238-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11108465 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with acute spinal cord injuries who are experiencing challenges with locomotion and bladder function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic spinal cord injuries or those who do not have bladder control issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how advanced neuromodulation techniques can help individuals with spinal cord injuries regain movement and improve bladder function. By using epidural stimulation of the spinal cord, the study aims to activate dormant neural pathways, allowing for voluntary movement and better control of bladder functions. The research will involve two phases: first, collecting data to develop learning algorithms for a closed-loop system, and second, testing these systems with participants to enhance their mobility and bladder management. This innovative approach seeks to integrate multiple training methods and utilize wireless technology for improved patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries by restoring movement and bladder control.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuromodulation techniques for restoring movement in spinal cord injury patients, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Kessler Foundation, INC.
East Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Angeli, Claudia — Kessler Foundation, INC.
- Study coordinator: Angeli, Claudia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Corticospinal neurons and recovery of precise forelimb movement after spinal cord injury
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How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
This study looks at how a common antispasmodic medicine (baclofen) works together with spinal cord stimulation in people who have spinal cord injuries and live with spasticity.
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A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
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From Neural Control of Movement to Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury
A patient-focused project aims to translate how brain signals control movement after spinal cord injury into new treatments that improve muscle function and reduce spasticity.
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Polaris: a compact system to help motor recovery after spinal cord injury and stroke
A new, easy-to-use device called Polaris may help people with spinal cord injury, stroke, or other chronic conditions regain movement by guiding a specialized reflex-based therapy.
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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.
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.