Improving walking in stroke patients using brain and spinal stimulation techniques
Official title: Neuromodulatory strategies targeting cortical and spinal pathways to facilitate paretic leg motor control during walking in individuals with stroke
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-11070998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two types of gentle stimulation can help improve walking in people who have had a stroke, by encouraging them to use their affected leg more during treadmill exercises.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship 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 | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HD117548-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke and have difficulty using their affected leg while walking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation and non-invasive brain stimulation can enhance motor control in the affected leg of individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study will involve treadmill walking exercises where force is applied to the non-affected leg to encourage the use of the affected leg. By focusing on these innovative neuromodulatory strategies, the research aims to address the common issue of impaired walking that many stroke survivors face, which often persists despite traditional rehabilitation methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve walking ability and overall mobility for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using neuromodulatory techniques for improving motor control in stroke patients, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Hyosok — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Lim, Hyosok
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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.