Understanding and Improving Movement After Stroke
Neurophysiological Basis for Enhancing Motor Recovery After Stroke
This research explores why some stroke survivors develop stiff, abnormal arm movements and seeks new ways to help them regain better control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11036277 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many stroke survivors experience lasting difficulties with arm and hand movements, often struggling with stiff, abnormal postures. This project aims to uncover the brain changes that lead to these specific movement problems, known as flexor synergies. Researchers are studying how different brain pathways become imbalanced after a stroke, which might cause increased muscle tone and limit independence. By understanding these brain mechanisms, the team hopes to develop new treatments to reduce stiffness and improve arm function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for stroke survivors who experience persistent motor deficits, particularly abnormal flexor tone or "synergies" in their upper limbs.
Not a fit: Patients whose motor deficits are not related to abnormal flexor tone or who have fully recovered motor function may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce abnormal muscle stiffness and improve arm and hand function for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: While the exact mechanisms of flexor synergies are not fully understood, other studies have explored various interventions for post-stroke motor recovery, with varying degrees of success.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ganguly, Karunesh — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ganguly, Karunesh
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.