Understanding how the brain controls movement after a stroke

Mapping Corticoreticulospinal Motor Control Using Brainstem and Spinal Cord fMRI in Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10785910

This study is looking at how different parts of the brain and spinal cord help people who have had a stroke move their arms and legs, and it aims to find ways to improve recovery by understanding which pathways are working when they try to move.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10785910 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how different pathways in the brain and spinal cord contribute to movement in individuals who have experienced a stroke. By using advanced imaging techniques like fMRI, the study aims to identify which neural pathways are active when patients attempt to move their affected limbs. This information could help develop better rehabilitation strategies that focus on enhancing the use of specific motor pathways, potentially leading to improved recovery of movement. Participants will undergo imaging while performing movements to provide insights into their motor control mechanisms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a chronic hemiparetic stroke and have ongoing motor deficits in one arm.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a stroke or those with acute stroke symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective rehabilitation techniques that improve movement and daily functioning for stroke survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to understand motor control in stroke patients, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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 2026-06-09 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.