Welcome to the Edgerton Neuromuscular Research Laboratory at the University of California, Los Angeles

edgerton lab 2Over a period of decades of animal and human experiments we have been able to develop and demonstrate the efficacy of several types of interventions generally categorized as neuromodulatory interventions. These neuromodulatory interventions involve the activation of the spinal networks appropriately after injury. This activation can be enabled by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord applied epidurally (surgically implanted electrodes) or transcutaneously (electrodes placed on the skin) and by pharmacological interventions. The effectiveness of these methods of facilitating recovery of function of spinal networks is dependent on highly specialized rehabilitation procedures. The reason for the importance of sensorimotor training of spinal networks that have been awakened from a dormant stage is that the spinal networks actually learn the motor skills that it practices. To learn more…



In the news:

- Non-surgical approach helps people with paralysis voluntarily move their legs.

- Research could help improve bladder function among people with spinal cord injuries. 

- Breakthrough therapy allows four paraplegic men to voluntarily move their legs.

- Completely paralyzed man voluntarily moves his legs, UCLA scientists report.