Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation
NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
About This Grant
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.
Grant Summary
Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation is a NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development grant providing up to $425K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-06-30 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $425K
2028-06-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development before the deadline.
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Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation is offered by NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation provide?
Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation provides up to $425K per award from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation deadline?
Applications for Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation are due 2028-06-30 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation?
To apply for Boosting Corticospinal Plasticity and Motor Neuron Excitability via Ultrasonic Spinal Cord Stimulation, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.