Basic Research

Research of the RSCICDV General Research Overview Model Systems Approach Discovering Promising Options Through Research Current Research Activites Validation Studies General Overview of Clinical Research Clinical Research Overview Clinical Trial Process Phases of Clinical Trials Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Choosing to Participate Questions to Ask Before Participating Informed Consent Clinical Research Studies Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury - WISCI Capabilities of Upper Extremities - CUE Basic Research Basic Research Overview Research Publications by Center Staff 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Refer a Patient To refer a patient to our center, call (215) 955-4444.

In order to understand very complex medical conditions, scientists must first design experiments that use very simple models. In spinal cord injury, researchers are making important discoveries by learning more about the basic mechanisms of injury, sometimes even on the cellular level. This knowledge often forms the foundation for medical advances in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of further injury.

Basic research explains the underlying mechanisms of injury and has broad applications to many areas of science. It helps us understanding normal processes and helps us understand what goes wrong in disease.

The RSCICDV also participates and collaborates in basic research, developing models for spinal cord injury that will help investigators learn more about what happens in the course of injury.