Using non-invasive stimulation to reduce spasticity and improve movement after spinal cord injury
Official title: Mechanisms of Action Contributing to Decrease Spasticity and Improve Motor Recovery with Repeated Transcutaneous Stimulation After Spinal Cord Injury
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11082205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how gentle spinal cord stimulation can help people with spinal cord injuries feel less stiffness and regain better movement, making it a friendly option for improving recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $338,767 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS119475-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury and are dealing with spasticity or hyperreflexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have spasticity or those with non-spinal cord injury-related movement disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how repeated non-invasive spinal cord stimulation can help reduce spasticity and improve motor recovery in individuals with spinal cord injuries. By applying stimulation to the lumbar region, the study aims to enhance the excitability of spinal networks and promote neuroplasticity, which may lead to better muscle control and function. The approach is designed to be less invasive and more accessible than current treatments, potentially allowing for broader application in rehabilitation settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for reducing spasticity and improving motor function in patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with stimulation-based therapies for spinal cord injury, indicating potential success for this non-invasive approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cote, Marie-Pascale — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Cote, Marie-Pascale
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Shockwave therapy to help reduce spasticity after spinal cord injury
A randomized, sham-controlled trial will test whether extracorporeal shockwave therapy can lessen muscle tightness in people with spinal cord injuries.
-
Corticospinal neurons and recovery of precise forelimb movement after spinal cord injury
This project studies how spine injuries change brain circuits and whether targeted rehabilitation helps restore precise forelimb movement.
-
How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
This study looks at how a common antispasmodic medicine (baclofen) works together with spinal cord stimulation in people who have spinal cord injuries and live with spasticity.
-
Targeting spinal cord inflammation with a new HuR inhibitor to help SCI patients
A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
-
From Neural Control of Movement to Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury
A patient-focused project aims to translate how brain signals control movement after spinal cord injury into new treatments that improve muscle function and reduce spasticity.
-
Polaris: a compact system to help motor recovery after spinal cord injury and stroke
A new, easy-to-use device called Polaris may help people with spinal cord injury, stroke, or other chronic conditions regain movement by guiding a specialized reflex-based therapy.
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.