Understanding how the brain controls movement to improve spinal cord injury treatments
Official title: From Neural Control of Movement to Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-11123173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain controls movement in both healthy people and those with spinal cord injuries, with the goal of finding better ways to help improve movement and recovery for patients by using the brain's ability to adapt and heal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 17, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $607,411 |
| NIH project number | 5R35NS122336-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with spinal cord injuries who are experiencing muscle weakness or spasticity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete spinal cord injuries or those without any neurological impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's motor pathways function in both healthy individuals and those with spinal cord injuries (SCI). By studying the differences in muscle control and movement behaviors, the researchers aim to enhance recovery by maximizing the use of remaining neural connections. The approach includes advanced techniques to promote brain plasticity, which could lead to improved motor function in patients with SCI. The research builds on previous findings and aims to integrate ongoing projects to create a comprehensive treatment strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly improve movement and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in enhancing recovery through brain plasticity techniques, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perez, Monica a — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Perez, Monica a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Corticospinal neurons and recovery of precise forelimb movement after spinal cord injury
This project studies how spine injuries change brain circuits and whether targeted rehabilitation helps restore precise forelimb movement.
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How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
This study looks at how a common antispasmodic medicine (baclofen) works together with spinal cord stimulation in people who have spinal cord injuries and live with spasticity.
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Targeting spinal cord inflammation with a new HuR inhibitor to help SCI patients
A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
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From Neural Control of Movement to Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury
A patient-focused project aims to translate how brain signals control movement after spinal cord injury into new treatments that improve muscle function and reduce spasticity.
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Polaris: a compact system to help motor recovery after spinal cord injury and stroke
A new, easy-to-use device called Polaris may help people with spinal cord injury, stroke, or other chronic conditions regain movement by guiding a specialized reflex-based therapy.
-
Predicting and Preventing Chronic Aspiration After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
This project looks at swallowing problems and chronic aspiration in adults with traumatic neck spine injuries to find patterns that could prevent serious lung complications.
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.