Using stimulation techniques to improve recovery after spinal cord injuries
Official title: Stimulation-based strategies for forming new lesion-bridging circuitry and optimizing functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10977595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a special light-based treatment can help rats recover better from serious spinal cord injuries, and it aims to find new ways to improve movement and function for people with similar injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $327,824 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS134713-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries, particularly those with severe damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with complete spinal cord injuries or those with injuries not affecting the cervical region may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how optogenetic spinal stimulation can enhance recovery from spinal cord injuries, particularly in cases of severe damage. By increasing the frequency of stimulation sessions and combining this technique with a peptide that promotes nerve growth, the study aims to improve functional recovery in rats with cervical spinal injuries. The research will assess the effectiveness of these methods through various behavioral tasks that measure forelimb function. This approach seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from spinal cord injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery methods for patients with spinal cord injuries, potentially restoring mobility and function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using optogenetic stimulation for spinal cord injuries, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mondello, Sarah E. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Mondello, Sarah E.
Related research
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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.