Understanding how stroke affects arm stiffness and reflexes
The function of descending and ascending pathways in spastic hypertonia and hyperreflexia after stroke
This project aims to understand why some people experience arm stiffness and strong reflexes after a stroke, which can make daily tasks difficult.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11091557 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
After a stroke, many people experience spasticity, which causes arm stiffness, strong reflexes, weakness, and pain, making it hard to use their hand and arm. This often starts weeks after the stroke and can lead to complications like contractures. While we know a lot about how spasticity affects muscles and the spinal cord, how brain damage from a stroke leads to these problems is still not fully clear. This work will look closely at the brain and spinal cord pathways that control movement and sensation to better understand the root causes of these issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals who have experienced a stroke and are living with spasticity, stiffness, or strong reflexes in their arm and hand.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments for their spasticity may not directly benefit from this foundational research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier diagnosis, better ways to predict recovery, and more effective treatments for spasticity that target the problem's source rather than just its symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: This project addresses a critical knowledge gap, as the brain mechanisms behind post-stroke spasticity are still not fully understood, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Riverside, United States
- University of California Riverside — Riverside, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vahdat, Shahabeddin — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Vahdat, Shahabeddin
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.