Improving walking ability after stroke using spinal cord stimulation
Official title: Locomotor function following transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation in individuals with hemiplegic stroke
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-10914656 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special electrical stimulation on the spine can help people who have had a stroke improve their walking, especially when combined with walking exercises, to see how it affects their movement and mobility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $685,524 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD106015-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914656 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered a hemiplegic stroke and experience difficulties with walking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or those with other neurological conditions unrelated to stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation can enhance walking abilities in individuals who have experienced a hemiplegic stroke. By combining this stimulation with gait training, the study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that may improve motor function. The approach focuses on evaluating spinal cord changes and their impact on walking patterns, which are often impaired after a stroke. Participants will undergo assessments to measure their response to the stimulation and its effects on their mobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques that enhance walking abilities for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with spinal cord stimulation in animal models, but this approach is relatively novel in human stroke rehabilitation.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jayaraman, Arun — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Jayaraman, Arun
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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.