Using electrical stimulation to improve breathing after spinal cord injuries
Official title: Spinal Direct Current Stimulation to Enhance Breathing Following Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11070386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a gentle electrical treatment to help improve breathing in people with cervical spinal cord injuries, and it's being done by a friendly team at the University of Florida who want to support your respiratory health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $126,333 |
| NIH project number | 5K99NS133388-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070386 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced cervical spinal cord injuries and are facing respiratory challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cervical spinal cord injuries or those without respiratory complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) to enhance respiratory function in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. By applying a low-intensity electrical current to specific areas of the spinal cord, the study aims to improve the activation of respiratory muscles, which are often compromised after such injuries. The research is conducted at the University of Florida, leveraging expertise from a team of scientists and clinicians dedicated to respiratory rehabilitation. Patients may be involved in trials that assess the effectiveness of this non-invasive therapy in restoring breathing capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve respiratory function and quality of life for individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuromodulatory therapies for enhancing motor function, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rana, Sabhya — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Rana, Sabhya
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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Spinal Direct Current Stimulation to Improve Breathing After Cervical Cord Injury
A non-invasive therapy using gentle electrical stimulation to help people with spinal cord injuries breathe better.
-
Combining breathing therapies to help restore breathing after neck-level spinal cord injury
This project will see whether brief bursts of low oxygen combined with breathing exercises or exercise can help people with chronic neck spinal cord injuries breathe better.
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Transplanting Lab-Grown Human Neurons to Help cervical spinal cord injuries
Researchers are testing whether transplanting lab-made human neurons into the neck portion of the spinal cord can improve arm and hand function after injury.
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Neural repair for chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injury with NgR blockade plus rehab
Aiming to help adults with long-standing incomplete cervical spinal cord injury improve movement and function by blocking a specific nerve signal pathway and adding targeted rehabilitation.
-
Using a mobile robot to help people with severe spinal cord injuries live more independently
This study is working on a friendly robot that can help people with tetraplegia do everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating, making life a little easier and more independent while also supporting their emotional needs.
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.