Understanding how nerve stimulation can help recover movement after spinal cord injury
Chemogenetic afferent modulation to understand spinal cord circuit function and plasticity post injury
This study is exploring how activating certain nerves can help people with spinal cord injuries move better and recover more effectively, using special techniques to find out which signals are most helpful for healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10900763 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how stimulating specific nerve pathways can improve movement and recovery in individuals with spinal cord injuries. By using advanced techniques like Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs), the study aims to identify which nerve signals are crucial for recovery and how the spinal cord adapts after injury. The researchers will analyze movement data using Deep Learning to better understand the effects of these stimulations on motor control. This work could lead to new therapies that enhance rehabilitation efforts for those affected by spinal cord injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced spinal cord injuries and are seeking new rehabilitation options.
Not a fit: Patients with spinal cord injuries who are not eligible for experimental treatments or those with conditions that prevent participation in rehabilitation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly improve mobility and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches using nerve stimulation for rehabilitation, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spence, Andrew — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Spence, Andrew
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.