Improving walking for individuals with spinal cord injuries
Official title: Engaging reticulospinal inputs to improve walking
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-10871516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help people with spinal cord injuries walk better by using sounds and electrical stimulation during treadmill training to wake up certain brain pathways, and it's designed for those who have ongoing challenges with walking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 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 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $165,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD114768-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871516 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries who experience difficulties with walking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete spinal cord injuries or those without any walking ability may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance walking abilities in individuals with spinal cord injuries by engaging specific brain pathways. The approach involves using loud auditory stimuli and electrical muscle stimulation during treadmill training to activate the reticulospinal tract, which may improve muscle function and walking speed. Participants will undergo assessments to measure muscle responses and the effectiveness of this combined intervention. The goal is to provide a more effective rehabilitation strategy for those with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved walking abilities and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance locomotor recovery, indicating potential for success in this novel intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Santis, Dalia — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: De Santis, Dalia
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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.