# Transformation of Paraplegic Paralysis to Overground Stepping in Humans

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · 2020 · $567,306

## Abstract

Project Summary
It is becoming increasingly evident that the spinal circuitries below a paralyzing injury have a functional potential
that far exceeds what has been thought to be possible. From recent studies in mice and rats with motor complete
paralysis we know that the lumbosacral spinal cord can be neuromodulated electrically (eEmc) and
pharmacologically (fEmc) to enable motor control, including full weight-bearing stepping. The main goal of the
project is the development of noninvasive multiple neuromodulatory strategies to facilitate full weight bearing
overground stepping in paralyzed subjects. Recently we demonstrated that four chronic, completely paralyzed
individuals regained the ability to stand independently and the ability to voluntarily flex the hip, knee, and ankle
when being stimulated epidurally. We propose to accomplish similar outcomes using a novel noninvasive
multi-site spinal cord stimulation strategy in concert with pharmacological modulation with stand and step
training to neuromodulate the lumbosacral circuitry so that completely paralyzed individuals can regain some
locomotor function as well as voluntary movements. We propose to develop these strategies further by
combining these interventions with an exoskeleton technology so that individuals with complete paralysis
can regain significant levels of community mobility. We will determine the effectiveness of noninvasive spinal
stimulation and administration of buspirone (a monoaminergic agonist) treatment for facilitating of locomotor
activity in the gravity-neutral apparatus, body weight supported stepping on a treadmill, and stepping in the EKSO
robotic device to achieve full weight bearing stepping in paralyzed subjects in rolling walker. It is anticipated that
the early stages of development of this technology could be available within the clinic to improve motor function
within a matter of a few years. These interventions have the potential to improve health, and can impact the
quality of life and, in many cases, can likely to lead to reduced health costs and a lower burden not only to the
paralyzed individuals, but also to their families and caregivers.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10025186
- **Project number:** 5R01NS102920-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- **Principal Investigator:** REGGIE EDGERTON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $567,306
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-30 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10025186

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10025186, Transformation of Paraplegic Paralysis to Overground Stepping in Humans (5R01NS102920-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10025186. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*