Using deep brain stimulation to enhance muscle control after a stroke
Official title: Deep brain stimulation of the motor thalamus to improve cortico-spinal control of muscles after stroke
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10999434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how deep brain stimulation can help stroke survivors regain better muscle control by targeting specific areas in the brain, with the hope of offering a new treatment option alongside regular therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $545,907 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131428-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered a stroke and experience moderate to severe motor deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or have mild motor impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the motor thalamus to improve muscle control in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The approach involves identifying the optimal stimulation targets and parameters through studies in monkeys, with the goal of enhancing motor output by increasing the excitability of cortical motoneurons. If successful, this method could provide a new therapeutic option for stroke survivors beyond traditional physical therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved motor function and quality of life for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using deep brain stimulation for various neurological conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pirondini, Elvira — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Pirondini, Elvira
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Calcium imaging guides deep brain stimulation to boost chronic stroke recovery in a rat model
A research team is testing how customizing deep brain stimulation parameters in rats with stroke can improve long-term motor recovery, with the goal of guiding future patient treatments.
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Deep brain stimulation in the motor thalamus to help muscle control after stroke
This research uses targeted deep brain stimulation in the motor thalamus to strengthen brain-to-muscle signals for people with lasting weakness after stroke.
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Improving Deep Brain Stimulation for Stroke Recovery
This project aims to find better ways to use deep brain stimulation to help people recover movement after a stroke.
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Deep brain stimulation to help speech after stroke
A small study will test whether stimulating a brain region called the motor thalamus can help people who have trouble speaking after a stroke to speak more clearly.
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Understanding how brain stimulation can improve recovery after stroke
This study is looking at how to make deep brain stimulation (DBS) work better for people recovering from strokes by testing it on rats, so we can find out why some people improve more than others and create personalized treatments for future patients.
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Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
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.