Understanding how the brain controls leg movements
Official title: The Role of M1 Leg Area in Volitional and Stereotyped Control of the Lower Limb
Funded at Providence VA Medical Center · NIH-11269150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain helps us move our legs and aims to find new ways to help people with spinal cord injuries move better and regain their mobility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX002835-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11269150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with spinal cord injuries or other conditions affecting lower limb movement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact motor function or those not experiencing mobility issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the brain controls voluntary and repetitive movements of the lower limbs. It aims to enhance our understanding of motor control, particularly in individuals with spinal cord injuries who may experience significant mobility challenges. By studying the brain's motor cortex and its connection to the spinal cord, the research seeks to develop innovative brain-spine interfaces that could improve movement and coordination. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapies or technologies for better mobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and technologies for individuals with mobility impairments, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on upper limb control, this specific focus on lower limb motor control and brain-spine interfaces is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence VA Medical Center
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borton, David Allenson — Providence VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Borton, David Allenson
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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.