Using electrodes to stimulate the spinal cord for restoring sensation in amputees
Official title: Electrodes for selective stimulation of the lateral spinal cord to restore sensation after lower-limb amputation
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11046662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating better electrodes that can help people with lower-limb amputations feel sensations in their missing leg, which could make it easier for them to balance and move around safely.
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 | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $587,397 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS121028-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046662 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone lower-limb amputation and are seeking improved prosthetic functionality.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced lower-limb amputation or those with conditions that prevent them from using prosthetics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced electrodes that can selectively stimulate the lateral spinal cord to restore sensory feedback in individuals with lower-limb amputations. By improving the design and flexibility of these electrodes, the goal is to generate more precise sensations in the missing limb, which could enhance balance and mobility. The approach involves a combination of animal experiments, neurophysiology, and computational modeling to optimize the electrode design and understand how the spinal cord responds to stimulation. Patients may benefit from improved prosthetic limb functionality and reduced risk of falls.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for amputees by restoring sensory feedback and enhancing mobility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches in restoring sensation through spinal cord stimulation, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Lee E — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Lee E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeted spinal-cord electrodes to restore feeling after lower-limb amputation
This project is designing and testing thinner, more flexible spinal-cord electrodes to create focused sensations for people with lower-limb amputations.
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Improving walking for Veterans with non‑traumatic leg amputation
A rehabilitation program aims to help Veterans with non‑traumatic lower‑limb amputation walk more evenly and reduce disability.
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Improving walking ability for veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation
This study is looking to help veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputations, like those caused by diabetes, walk more evenly and comfortably, so they can enjoy a better quality of life and avoid further health problems.
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Spinal muscle targets to improve mobility after leg amputation
A study with adults who’ve had a lower-leg amputation will look at how spinal muscle weakness and fat in the back muscles relate to mobility, with the aim of guiding rehabilitation choices.
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Bone and skin movement inside prosthetic sockets for below-knee amputees
This project uses moving X-ray and CT-based 3D models to measure how bones, skin, and liners move inside the prosthetic socket of people with below-knee amputations during walking and other activities.
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Surgical strategies to prevent and reduce amputation pain
This project tests how two nerve-sparing techniques can prevent or lessen phantom and residual limb pain in people who have or will have amputations, especially veterans.
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.