Improving standing ability for Veterans with spinal cord injuries using nerve stimulation
Official title: Mapping the Fascicular Anatomy of Human Sciatic Nerve to Inform Electrode Designs and Placement Locations to Improve Standing Neuroprostheses
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-11053994 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help Veterans with spinal cord injuries stand again by using a special technique that stimulates a nerve in the leg, aiming to improve devices that assist with standing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I21RX005151-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053994 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans who have experienced spinal cord injuries and are seeking improved mobility solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to spinal cord injuries or those who do not require assistance with standing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to help Veterans with spinal cord injuries regain the ability to stand by using peripheral nerve stimulation targeted at the sciatic nerve. The project involves creating a detailed 3D model of the sciatic nerve's fascicles and studying the nerve and fiber structure to enhance electrode design and placement. By improving the precision of muscle activation in the lower limbs, the research seeks to optimize the performance of standing neuroprostheses, which are devices that assist individuals in maintaining an upright position. The approach combines advanced imaging techniques and histological analysis to inform better surgical practices and device designs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the standing capabilities of Veterans with spinal cord injuries, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nerve stimulation for mobility enhancement, making this approach a continuation of established methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shoffstall, Andrew — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shoffstall, Andrew
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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.