Optimizing sensory feedback to improve function after tetraplegia
Official title: Development of optimal sensory feedback strategies to maximize function after tetraplegia
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11378279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at people with tetraplegia, this project tests new ways to restore natural-feeling touch through brain and nerve stimulation to improve how they reach, grasp, and use everyday activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $639,515 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD117313-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with chronic tetraplegia who already have chronically implanted cortical arrays and nerve cuff electrodes and are enrolled in the ongoing trial.
✕Less likely to help
People without implanted devices or with non-tetraplegia injuries may not benefit from these strategies.
What this research studies
This project will test intracortical and peripheral nerve stimulation to deliver touch sensations that feel intuitive to people with chronic paralysis. By comparing different stimulation patterns, researchers hope to identify how to best convey touch information that improves grasp and daily task performance. The study will build on an existing clinical trial where participants already have implanted brain and nerve devices. The goal is to show that sensory feedback can boost controllability, independence, and quality of life for users of neuroprostheses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could make neuroprosthetic hands feel more natural and useful, enhancing independence in daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports that sensory feedback can improve brain-controlled grasp, but optimization of ICMS and PNS patterns is still being refined.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Graczyk, Emily L — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Graczyk, Emily L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Adaptive EMG-controlled skiing for people with high-level spinal cord injury
Aims to let people with severe spinal cord injuries control assistive devices more naturally using leftover muscle signals, starting with downhill skiing in a specialized ski.
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FES+BMI Neuroprosthesis for Home Use in Chronic Tetraplegia
A home-use brain-controlled hand prosthesis that helps people with chronic spinal cord injury regain everyday hand movements.
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Using a mobile robot to help people with severe spinal cord injuries live more independently
This study is working on a friendly robot that can help people with tetraplegia do everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating, making life a little easier and more independent while also supporting their emotional needs.
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Using spinal cord stimulation to improve arm and hand movement in people with tetraplegia
This study is looking at how a special electrical stimulation technique can help veterans with neck injuries improve their arm and hand movements, making everyday tasks like reaching and grabbing easier and more effective.
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Creating a device to help people with paralysis use their hands at home
This study is testing a new device that helps people with paralysis in their arms and hands regain control of their movements, so they can do everyday tasks like eating on their own, and we’re looking for participants to help us make it work better for home use.
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Portable control systems to operate a hand motor neuroprosthesis for people with tetraplegia
The study will test whether several fully portable, non‑invasive control methods (for example shoulder‑motion IMUs, surface EMG, touch/contact sensors, and voice) let adults with tetraplegia reliably control a hand motor neuroprosthesis.
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.