Spinal cord stimulation to help 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-11408412 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new cervical spinal cord stimulation approach is tested to improve arm and hand function in people living with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,381,389 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS123135-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408412 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis affecting arm and hand function who can participate in spinal cord stimulation procedures and rehabilitation.
✕Less likely to help
People without chronic upper-limb deficits or those unable to undergo stimulation or physical therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests whether delivering electrical stimulation to the cervical spinal cord, combined with physical therapy, can restore arm and hand movements in stroke survivors with lasting deficits. It builds on prior preliminary data showing improved arm strength, range of motion, and dexterity when stimulation was used, with potential long-term benefits even after stopping stimulation. If successful, the approach could become a new therapy to help people regain daily-hand function and independence after stroke. The study will involve participants who have chronic hemiparesis and will track motor outcomes, safety, and function over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could regain better arm and hand control and perform daily activities more independently.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from a human subject showed improved arm strength, range of motion, and functional scales with cervical spinal cord stimulation plus therapy.
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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Helping brain recovery for people with severe paralysis after a recent stroke
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Neck-level spinal stimulation to improve arm and hand movement after stroke
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.
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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.
-
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.