Despite advances in stroke rehabilitation, more than two-thirds of the 7 million stroke survivors in the U.S. still struggle to walk independently in their communities. Most current therapies focus on stimulating the brain areas that control leg movement, yet many stroke survivors continue to face issues like poor coordination, spasticity, and muscle weakness. We propose a different approach—using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to improve walking after stroke.

The purpose of the study is to determine the best treatment for the arm that has been affected by a stroke. The investigators plan to determine if the arm affected by a stroke will improve with a combination of motor priming and motor training.

This project focuses on the neuroplastic mechanisms that enable some people with stroke to regain high quality control of their paretic arm post-stroke.

Dr. Mary Stoykov contributes to chapter 5 of "Healing the Broken Brain", explaining why the arm and hand recover slowest after a paralyzing incident such as a stroke or brain injury.

Richard Harvey, MD, clinical chair, Brain Innovation Center, appeared on Community Health Focus on WVON Chicago to discuss stroke recovery.

At 30 years old, Kyle experienced a rare brainstem stroke causing a condition called locked-in syndrome. Although his cognitive abilities were completely intact, he was unable to move or talk.

The researchers will focus on variability in depressed mood and quality of life among stroke survivors, and social support, a protective factor with a potential buffering effect on daily function and mood.

Developing and piloting a non-obtrusive wearable sensor that accurately measures important movements, including steps, arm/hand activity, and limb movements.

We will fabricate an innovative split-belt treadmill system that allows backward-directed, real-time-adaptive, resistive forces applied to the pelvis.

Development of a therapy-ready collaborative balance trainer.