Understanding how nerve cells help recover hand movement after spinal cord injury

The Role of Corticospinal Neurons in the Recovery of Dexterous Forelimb Function After Spinal Cord Injury

NIH-funded research Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst · NIH-11083693

This study looks at how spinal cord injuries impact the brain's control over hand movements and explores how rehabilitation can help improve these abilities, aiming to find better ways to support recovery for people with these injuries.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWinifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (White Plains, United States)
Project IDNIH-11083693 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how spinal cord injuries affect the brain's ability to control hand movements and how rehabilitation can help restore these functions. It focuses on the role of corticospinal neurons, which are crucial for motor control, and how they can be integrated into brain networks to support recovery. By examining the changes in brain maps and neuron connections after injury, the study aims to identify effective rehabilitation strategies that promote healing and functional recovery. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapies for regaining movement.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury and are seeking to regain dexterous forelimb function.

Not a fit: Patients with complete spinal cord injuries who have no remaining nerve function may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new rehabilitation techniques that significantly enhance recovery of hand function in patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using rehabilitation to promote neural recovery after spinal cord injuries, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

White Plains, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.