Restoring breathing after spinal cord injury
Official title: Stimulation of Cervical Excitatory Interneurons to Restore Breathing After Chronic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Funded at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · NIH-11098431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with chronic neck injuries breathe better by using special techniques to boost the signals between their brain and spinal cord.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005287-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098431 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injuries who experience breathing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute spinal cord injuries or those whose breathing issues are not related to cervical spinal cord dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a method to restore breathing in patients who have suffered chronic cervical spinal cord injuries. It focuses on stimulating specific excitatory interneurons in the cervical spinal cord that are crucial for breathing control. By using pharmacogenetic techniques, the study aims to enhance communication between the brain and spinal cord to improve respiratory function. The approach builds on previous findings in animal models and seeks to determine its effectiveness in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with chronic cervical spinal cord injuries by restoring their ability to breathe independently.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in animal models, but this approach is novel when applied to chronic cervical spinal cord injury in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurpad, Shekar N. — Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kurpad, Shekar N.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Predicting and Preventing Chronic Aspiration After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
This project looks at swallowing problems and chronic aspiration in adults with traumatic neck spine injuries to find patterns that could prevent serious lung complications.
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Spinal Direct Current Stimulation to Improve Breathing After Cervical Cord Injury
A non-invasive therapy using gentle electrical stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries breathe better.
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Combining breathing therapies to help restore breathing after neck-level spinal cord injury
This project will see whether brief bursts of low oxygen combined with breathing exercises or exercise can help people with chronic neck spinal cord injuries breathe better.
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Transplanting Lab-Grown Human Neurons to Help cervical spinal cord injuries
Researchers are testing whether transplanting lab-made human neurons into the neck portion of the spinal cord can improve arm and hand function after injury.
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Neural repair for chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injury with NgR blockade plus rehab
Aiming to help adults with long-standing incomplete cervical spinal cord injury improve movement and function by blocking a specific nerve signal pathway and adding targeted rehabilitation.
-
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.
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.