Neck-level spinal stimulation to improve arm and hand movement after stroke
Official title: Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Motor Function in People with Post-Stroke Hemiplegia
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11190490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses mild electrical stimulation of the neck-level spinal cord to help people with long-term arm or hand weakness after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,382,533 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3NS123135-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11190490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic hemiparesis affecting the arm or hand after a stroke who can tolerate a minor implant procedure and commit to regular physical therapy sessions are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with very recent strokes, medical conditions that prevent surgery, widespread peripheral nerve damage, or severe cognitive impairments may not benefit or be eligible.
What this research studies
You would receive a small implanted lead near the cervical (neck) spinal cord that delivers mild electrical pulses while you do targeted arm and hand therapy. The team will combine the stimulation with personalized physical training and track changes in strength, movement control, and daily activities. Early work showed immediate gains in strength and dexterity in an implanted patient, and this effort will enroll more people for months of therapy and follow-up. The aim is to find out if these improvements last even when the stimulation is turned off.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could restore meaningful arm and hand strength and improve day-to-day independence for people with chronic post-stroke weakness.
How similar studies have gone: Spinal cord stimulation restored leg function in people with spinal cord injury and early case reports and pilot work show promising immediate improvements for arm function after stroke, but larger trials are still needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Capogrosso, Marco — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Capogrosso, Marco
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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In-bed wearable rehab robot to help stroke survivors recover movement
A wearable robotic device will be developed to help adults who recently had an acute stroke regain movement while still in the hospital.
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Spinal cord stimulation to help arm and hand movement after stroke
A new cervical spinal cord stimulation approach is tested to improve arm and hand function in people living with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis.
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Helping brain recovery for people with severe paralysis after a recent stroke
This project builds a wearable in-bed robot to give gentle movement and sensory training to adults with severe weakness right after a stroke.
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Using spinal cord stimulation to help improve arm movement in stroke survivors
This study is exploring how using gentle electrical stimulation on the neck area of the spine can help people who have lost movement in one arm after a stroke to regain better control and function, along with some special training to support their recovery.
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Improving recovery for stroke survivors with severe paralysis
This study is testing a new wearable robot designed to help stroke survivors with severe arm and leg weakness recover better while they are still in bed, by providing important training to improve their movement and brain function early on.
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Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
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.