Investigating how different rehabilitation methods affect recovery after spinal cord injury
Official title: Bringing the clinic to the lab: the effects of forced and non-forced rehabilitation on functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10932849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two different types of exercise—one where the mice are encouraged to move and another where they can choose to move—can help them recover from spinal cord injuries, with the hope that this will lead to better treatments for people in similar situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $76,984 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS131535-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries and are seeking innovative rehabilitation options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-spinal cord related mobility issues or those who are not eligible for rehabilitation programs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of two rehabilitation approaches—Forced Exercise (FE) and Non-Forced Exercise (NFE)—on recovery from spinal cord injuries. By using mouse models, the study aims to understand how these different training methods influence the neural circuits involved in motor recovery. The researchers will analyze changes in specific spinal cord neurons to determine how these exercises can optimize rehabilitation strategies for better functional outcomes. This work could lead to improved therapies for individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective rehabilitation techniques that enhance recovery for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using sensory-based rehabilitation techniques for improving recovery after spinal cord injuries, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisdorfer, Jaclyn T. — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Eisdorfer, Jaclyn T.
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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.