Improving walking speed and stability for veterans with incomplete spinal cord injuries
Official title: Neural Stimulation to Enhance Community Mobility after Incomplete SCI
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-11013852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help veterans with incomplete spinal cord injuries walk better by using special nerve stimulation systems that work with sensors on their bodies, so they can train their muscles and improve their balance and mobility for everyday activities.
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 | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004246-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have been diagnosed with incomplete spinal cord injuries and experience difficulties with walking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete spinal cord injuries or those who do not have mobility impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the mobility of veterans with incomplete spinal cord injuries (iSCI) by developing advanced nerve stimulation systems. The project will involve customizing control systems that stimulate weak or paralyzed muscles based on real-time feedback from body-mounted sensors. Participants will undergo gait training and will serve as their own controls to assess the effectiveness of the stimulation in improving their walking ability and stability. The goal is to enable these veterans to safely engage in community activities and improve their overall independence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mobility and independence of veterans with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nerve stimulation for improving mobility in similar patient populations, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Triolo, Ronald J — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Triolo, Ronald J
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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.