Using spinal cord stimulation to improve arm and hand movement in people with tetraplegia
Official title: Spinal Cord Stimulation for Functional Recovery in Humans with Tetraplegia
Funded at Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital · NIH-11002668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special electrical stimulation technique can help veterans with neck injuries improve their arm and hand movements, making everyday tasks like reaching and grabbing easier and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hines, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003715-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans with cervical spinal cord injuries who experience impaired arm and hand movements.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with spinal cord injuries at levels other than cervical or those without significant impairment in arm and hand function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcutaneous electrical spinal stimulation (TESS) to enhance arm and hand function in veterans with cervical spinal cord injuries. The study aims to understand how TESS affects the muscles and neural pathways involved in upper-limb movements, focusing on improving daily activities such as reaching and grasping. By combining TESS with targeted motor training, the research seeks to maximize recovery and improve the quality of life for participants. The approach includes advanced techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess neural transmission and engagement of specific pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the independence and daily functioning of individuals with tetraplegia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with TESS for functional recovery, but this specific application is still in the early stages and has not yet entered clinical practice.
Where this research is happening
-
Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
Hines, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perez, Monica a — Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
- Study coordinator: Perez, Monica a
Related research
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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.
-
Creating a device to help people with paralysis use their hands at home
This study is testing a new device that helps people with paralysis in their arms and hands regain control of their movements, so they can do everyday tasks like eating on their own, and we’re looking for participants to help us make it work better for home use.
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Portable control systems to operate a hand motor neuroprosthesis for people with tetraplegia
The study will test whether several fully portable, non‑invasive control methods (for example shoulder‑motion IMUs, surface EMG, touch/contact sensors, and voice) let adults with tetraplegia reliably control a hand motor neuroprosthesis.
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.