Current Projects
It has been demonstrated that the human lumbosacral spinal cord can be neuromodulated with epidural spinal stimulation (ESS) and transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) to enable recovery of standing and volitional control of the lower limbs after complete motor paralysis due to spinal cord injury (SCI). This study will examine and identify distinct electrophysiological mechanisms underlying ESS and TSS, to define how these approaches determine the ability to maintain self-assisted standing after SCI.
Funding: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
The overall objective of this study is to determine the effects of an intervention that combines transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation with rehabilitation training using an upper limb robotic exoskeleton on the neurophysiological and functional outcomes in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury.
Funding: Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
This study aims to evaluate a novel approach to spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. This approach involves combining robot-assisted step training (RAST) and transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS). A group of 6 spinal cord injury (SCI) patients will participate in the study. Each participant will initially complete 3 RAST training sessions in order to become familiar with walking in a robotic exoskeleton. They will then complete a series of 2 training phases, with 12 sessions in each phase. The 2 training phases will include 1) RAST, and 2) RAST + TSS. The duration of each session (up to 60 min) will gradually progress over the course of each training phase. Each participant will complete 3 – 4 training sessions per week. Assessments will be carried out before and after each training phase. Functional assessments will measure the level of motor control during walking, supported standing, and in a gravity neutral condition. Neurophysiological assessments will measure the excitability of the spinal cord.
Funding: The Methodist Hospital Foundation
The overall objective of this study is to improve and regain upper limb motor control in individuals with sensorimotor impairments after stroke, utilizing a combination of novel robotic exoskeleton technologies and non-invasive spinal neuromodulation.
Funding: NeuroSpark Seed Funding Program
Funding: Wings for Life – Spinal Cord Research Foundation
Collaborators
Rice University
Carnegie Melon University
Texas A&M University
University of Alberta
University of Houston
University of Southern California
TIRR Memorial Hermann
ANEUVO
Toronto Rehab Center
Mayo Clinic
Funding Organizations
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is part of the U.S National Institutes of Health. It funds and conducts basic, translational, and clinical neuroscience research.
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation’s funding is dedicated to supporting both programs and scientific research to improve the quality of life for those living with spinal cord injury.
Wings for Life is a not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation. Our mission is to find a cure for spinal cord injury. We fund world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe aimed at healing the injured spinal cord.
NeuroSpark Seed Funding is intended to both build upon current neural regeneration research and also ‘spark’ novel interactions among Houston Methodist’s Centers of Excellence. Priority will be given to interdisciplinary projects in areas of emphasis that include regeneration and neuromodulation, systems and organ repair, acute neuroprotection and imaging biomarkers, and prosthetics and robotics.
At Houston Methodist, fostering innovations with the potential for clinical application is at the very heart of what we do. Our interdisciplinary teams of clinicians and researchers are committed to streamlining the process of translating discoveries into treatments and cures for our patients.