Neck-level spinal stimulation to improve arm and hand movement after stroke
Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Motor Function in People with Post-Stroke Hemiplegia
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 ID | NIH-11190490 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: People with very recent strokes, medical conditions that prevent surgery, widespread peripheral nerve damage, or severe cognitive impairments may not benefit or be eligible.
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 performed: 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
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Capogrosso, Marco — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Capogrosso, Marco
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 below.