Improving walking ability after spinal cord injury
Official title: Enhancing recovery of lower limb function after spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-10793037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with spinal cord injuries improve their ability to walk by using a special technique that combines gentle electrical stimulation of a nerve with personalized rehab exercises, making recovery more effective and encouraging better movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,177,221 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3NS131971-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10793037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries who are seeking to regain lower limb function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete spinal cord injuries or those who do not have access to rehabilitation facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing recovery of lower limb function in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) through a novel approach that combines electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve with rehabilitation exercises. By using a closed-loop system that triggers stimulation during specific rehabilitation activities, the study aims to promote synaptic plasticity, which is crucial for improving gait recovery. The research builds on previous successes in upper limb rehabilitation and seeks to translate these findings to lower limb function. Participants will engage in tailored rehabilitation programs while receiving vagus nerve stimulation to optimize their recovery outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve walking ability and overall mobility for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with vagus nerve stimulation in enhancing recovery after stroke, indicating potential for success in this novel application for spinal cord injury.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rennaker, Robert L — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Rennaker, Robert L
Related research
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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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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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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.