Investigating how brain stimulation affects spinal cord function
Official title: Spinal Effects of Cortical Stimulation: Mechanisms and Functional Impact
Funded at Albany Research Institute, INC. · NIH-10666526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how gentle electrical stimulation of the brain can change the way the spinal cord works, using rats to see if it can help improve movement and lead to better treatments for spinal cord issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $733,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS110577-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10666526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with spinal cord injuries or conditions affecting spinal cord function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to spinal cord function or those who do not have access to the required stimulation techniques may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the long-term effects of weak electrical stimulation of the brain on the spinal cord. By using animal models, specifically rats, the study aims to understand how this stimulation alters spinal pathways and affects motor functions. The researchers will analyze physiological, anatomical, and molecular changes that occur in the spinal cord following brain stimulation. This could lead to insights into how brain activity influences spinal cord behavior and potentially improve therapies for spinal cord-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for enhancing spinal cord function and recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries or disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that brain stimulation can have significant effects on spinal cord function.
Where this research is happening
-
Albany Research Institute, INC.
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolpaw, Jonathan Rickel — Albany Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wolpaw, Jonathan Rickel
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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.