Polaris: a compact system to help motor recovery after spinal cord injury and stroke
Official title: Spinal Reflex Conditioning System for Enhancing Motor Function Recovery After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Funded at Biocircuit Technologies, INC. · NIH-11538499 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, easy-to-use device called Polaris may help people with spinal cord injury, stroke, or other chronic conditions regain movement by guiding a specialized reflex-based therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Biocircuit Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $163,670 |
| NIH project number | 3U44NS114420-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11538499 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with incomplete spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or other chronic motor disorders who could benefit from targeted reflex-conditioning therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without motor impairment or those unable to participate in a structured, multi-session therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports a compact, clinic-ready H-reflex operant conditioning system called Polaris that therapists can use to deliver a focused neurorehabilitation program. Patients would undergo a defined course of sessions designed to promote motor function recovery, with automation to simplify the therapy process. The project also explored shortening treatment by increasing trial density per session to reduce patient burden while maintaining potential benefits. The system is being refined for broader dissemination and easier insurance coverage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Polaris could make effective neurorehabilitation more accessible and less burdensome for patients recovering from spinal injuries or stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work shows promise for reflex-conditioning therapy, with ongoing trials validating its practicality and safety.
Where this research is happening
-
Biocircuit Technologies, INC.
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clements, Isaac Perry — Biocircuit Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Clements, Isaac Perry
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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.