Understanding how the spinal cord controls breathing after injury

Respiratory motor control in the intact and injured spinal cord

NIH-funded research Drexel University · NIH-10811209

This study is looking at how the spinal cord helps us breathe, especially after injuries that make it hard to breathe, by observing rats with similar injuries to find out how breathing can get better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDrexel University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10811209 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the spinal cord regulates breathing, particularly after injuries that affect respiratory function. By studying rats with cervical spinal cord injuries, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind respiratory recovery and deficits. They will record electrical activity from respiratory muscles and analyze this data to identify patterns that control different breathing behaviors. This approach could provide insights into how breathing can improve following spinal cord injuries.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced cervical spinal cord injuries and suffer from respiratory deficits.

Not a fit: Patients with respiratory issues not related to spinal cord injuries may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance respiratory recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding motor control in other contexts, but this specific approach to respiratory control post-spinal cord injury is novel.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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 2026-06-13 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.