Using personalized brain stimulation to improve hand function after stroke
Official title: Developing real-time personalized TMS to target residual corticospinal connections after stroke
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11056094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help stroke survivors improve their hand function by using a personalized treatment that gently stimulates the brain at just the right moments, based on their unique brain activity, to boost recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $245,688 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS133605-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced a stroke and are seeking to improve their hand function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance hand function in stroke survivors by using personalized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that targets specific brain connections affected by the stroke. The approach involves monitoring brain activity to identify optimal times for TMS application, ensuring that stimulation coincides with strong brain states that promote recovery. By tailoring the treatment to each individual's unique brain patterns, the goal is to maximize the effectiveness of TMS in restoring hand function. This innovative method leverages machine learning to personalize the intervention based on real-time brain activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve hand function in stroke survivors, enhancing their ability to perform daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using TMS for stroke rehabilitation, but this personalized approach is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hussain, Sara J — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Hussain, Sara J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Music-powered tools to boost blood pressure and stroke prevention for Nigerian youth and their older caregivers
This project uses popular music to help Nigerian youths and their older family members start and stick to blood pressure and stroke prevention habits.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
-
LRP1 controls NSC movement and stroke recovery
This NIH grant studies how a brain receptor called LRP1 helps neural stem cells move to stroke injuries and support recovery in adults.
-
BBB Dysfunction after Stroke and Risk for Dementia
A study at Stanford will look at whether inflammation after a stroke leads to leaky blood vessels and later dementia, by following stroke survivors and comparing them with people without stroke.
-
Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
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.