A 75th Anniversary feature article, “Spinal Cord Stimulation: Turning Signals into Movement,” from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke highlighted research by Claudia Angeli, PhD. She is assistant director of the Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation at Kessler Foundation.

Dr. Angeli and team are developing an automated spinal stimulation system that restores both movement and bladder function in people with spinal cord injury. They are exploring internal and external sensors to track position and blood pressure and automatically adjust stimulation levels.  

The article mentioned a growing body of evidence that spinal cord stimulation, paired with rehabilitation, may improve standing, movement, and overall health for people living with SCI. Dr Angeli noted the field’s progress: “Using targeted stimulation will prime specific spinal cord networks to enable the integration of various signals from inside and outside the body, leading to functional recovery.”