Boosting corticospinal plasticity and motor neuron excitability via ultrasonic spinal cord stimulation

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development awarded Texas A&M University $424,582 on July 1, 2026, under the Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.865) to support research on boosting corticospinal plasticity and motor neuron excitability via ultrasonic spinal cord stimulation.

The project addresses motor impairments resulting from spinal cord injury, which affects over 300,000 individuals in the United States with approximately 18,000 new cases annually. The research proposes a noninvasive approach using focused ultrasound stimulation of the spinal cord to enhance residual corticospinal function and facilitate motor recovery. Aim 1 investigates whether ultrasound spinal cord stimulation enhances corticospinal transmission by examining its effects on motor-evoked potentials induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation in healthy individuals and those with cervical spinal cord injury. Aim 2 evaluates whether ultrasound spinal cord stimulation increases spinal motoneuron excitability using high-density surface electromyography and advanced signal processing techniques to analyze changes in motor unit function and synaptic input strength.

The award is classified as a Project Grant. Work is performed at Texas A&M University's College Station, Texas location. The period of performance runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.

Abstract

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.