Using a special scaffold to help heal severe muscle injuries

Piezoelectric bioscaffold for the treatment of volumetric muscle loss

['FUNDING_R21'] · SPAULDING REHABILITATION HOSPITAL · NIH-11045694

This study is testing a new biodegradable support that helps heal muscle damage for people with volumetric muscle loss by encouraging the body to repair itself, which could lead to better muscle function and an improved quality of life.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSPAULDING REHABILITATION HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHARLESTOWN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11045694 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a biodegradable piezoelectric bioscaffold designed to enhance the healing process for patients suffering from volumetric muscle loss (VML). The scaffold aims to improve muscle recovery by providing both physical support and biochemical signals that encourage the body's own muscle stem cells to migrate and regenerate damaged tissue. By mimicking the natural electrical signals found in healthy tissues, this innovative approach seeks to overcome the limitations of current treatments that do not effectively recruit these essential cells. Patients may benefit from improved muscle function and quality of life as a result of this advanced treatment method.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced traumatic muscle injuries resulting in volumetric muscle loss.

Not a fit: Patients with minor muscle injuries or those whose injuries do not involve volumetric muscle loss may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance recovery and restore muscle function for patients with severe muscle injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of using bioscaffolds for muscle repair is established, the specific approach of using piezoelectric scaffolds for active cell recruitment is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

CHARLESTOWN, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.