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Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation

Award Number: R21HD118309
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2028

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Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation - Project Summary In the United States, spinal cord injury (SCI) affects over 300,000 individuals, with approximately 18,000 new cases each year. SCI often leads to severe and lasting motor impairments, including paralysis, muscle weakness, reduced dexterity, and spasticity, significantly diminishing independence and quality of life. While rehabilitation techniques have advanced, effective treatments capable of restoring lost motor function remain limited. This project proposes a novel, noninvasive approach utilizing focused ultrasound stimulation of the spinal cord to enhance residual corticospinal function and facilitate motor recovery. Ultrasound neuromodulation, with its high spatial precision and deep tissue penetration, presents a promising technique for targeted spinal cord stimulation. The primary objective is to determine whether ultrasound stimulation can enhance corticospinal transmission and increase spinal motoneuron excitability, ultimately improving motor function in individuals with SCI. Aim 1 will investigate the potential of ultrasound spinal cord stimulation to enhance corticospinal transmission. By leveraging ultrasound’s high spatial resolution and deep penetration, the study will examine its effects on motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in healthy individuals and those with cervical SCI. This aim is expected to provide key insights into the neuromodulatory effects of spinal cord ultrasound stimulation on corticospinal pathways. Aim 2 will evaluate whether ultrasound spinal cord stimulation increases spinal motoneuron excitability. Using high-density surface electromyography (HD-EMG) and advanced signal processing techniques, this study will analyze changes in motor unit function and synaptic input strength. This aim will determine whether spinal cord ultrasound stimulation enhances the responsiveness of spinal motoneurons to descending inputs in individuals with SCI. By addressing these aims, this project seeks to bridge the gap between experimental research and clinical application, developing a noninvasive, targeted neuromodulation strategy for improving motor function in SCI patients. The anticipated findings could revolutionize SCI rehabilitation by offering a safe, accessible, and effective alternative to invasive spinal cord stimulation, ultimately enhancing quality of life and independence for individuals with SCI.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $424,582 )
2026	2026	TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY	400 HARVEY MITCHELL PKY S STE 300	COLLEGE STATION	TX	77845	BRAZOS	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	6/23/2026	NEW	$424,582
														Subtotal = $424,582

Grand Total All Awards = $424,582

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Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation

Award Number: R21HD118309

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2028

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