# Motor Recovery through Plasticity-Inducing Cortical Stimulation

> **NIH NIH UH3** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2022 · $1,065,131

## Abstract

Limited recovery of function after stroke remains a major problem for millions. Disability persists in
many, especially when hand function is limited. Existing therapies are limited and many have difficulties with
activities of daily living, even after rehabilitation. Electrical stimulation of the brain has been proposed and
used in early studies to try and aid recovery. In animals, stimulation delivered to the brain at precise times may
improve the effect of stimulation. By stimulating at the beginning of movements, or just after another part of
the brain is active, recovery may be enhanced.
 We will use recent advances in implanted brain stimulator technology to place wires on the brain
surface in patients who are recovering from stroke. We will stimulate the brain during therapy sessions.
Healthier brain regions near the stroke area will be stimulated at the time of activity of brain regions right over
the stroke. This will allow the two areas to strengthen their connection and improve the effect of therapy.
 We will measure motor function before and after these different stimulation patterns. This will establish
the ability to perform these experiments safely, and show that patients can tolerate well these painless
stimulation sessions. We will look at the strength of connections between brain regions and study the brain
networks related to motor function. We believe these connections and networks will become stronger with
brain stimulation. If successful, this preliminary study would offer a new form of treatment for stroke recovery.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10357993
- **Project number:** 1UH3NS121565-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Steven C. Cramer
- **Activity code:** UH3 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $1,065,131
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-04-01 → 2028-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10357993

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10357993, Motor Recovery through Plasticity-Inducing Cortical Stimulation (1UH3NS121565-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10357993. Licensed CC0.

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