Kowalski, Krzysztof E., Ph.D.

Research Statement

The purpose of our studies is to restore respiratory muscle function in patients with spinal cord injury. We are developing systems for electrical activation of the inspiratory muscles to maintain full-time ventilatory support in patients with ventilator-dependent tetraplegia and electrical activation of the expiratory muscles to provide an effective cough mechanism in patients with expiratory muscles paralysis. Ventilatory support systems decrease the cost of medical care, improve speech, increase patient comfort, increase the ease of transportation and, overall improve life quality. Restoration of an effective cough mechanism has the potential to significantly decrease the risk of respiratory complications, which still account for most of the morbidity and mortality in traumatic tetraplegia.

Professional Affiliations

Investigator, Cleveland FES Center
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
Bioscientific Staff, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH

Publications (Select)

DiMarco AF, Kowalski KE: High-frequency spinal cord stimulation of inspiratory muscles in dogs: a new method of inspiratory muscle pacing. J Appl Physiol. 2009 Sep;107(3):662-9. Epub 2009 Jun 11.PMID: 19520839
DiMarco AF, Kowalski KE, Geertman RT, Hromyak DR, Frost FS, Creasey GH, Nemunaitis GA: Lower thoracic spinal cord stimulation to restore cough in patients with spinal cord injury: results of a National Institutes of Health-Sponsored clinical trial. Part II: clinical outcomes. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 May;90(5):726-32.PMID: 19406290
DiMarco AF, Kowalski KE, Geertman RT, Hromyak DR: Lower thoracic spinal cord stimulation to restore cough in patients with spinal cord injury: results of a National Institutes of Health-sponsored clinical trial. Part I: methodology and effectiveness of expiratory muscle activation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 May;90(5):717-25.PMID: 19406289
DiMarco AF, Kowalski KE: Effects of chronic electrical stimulation on paralyzed expiratory muscles. J Appl Physiol. 2008 Jun;104(6):1634-40. Epub 2008 Apr 10.PMID: 18403449
Kowalski KE, Romaniuk JR and DiMarco AF: Changes in expiratory muscles function following spinal cord section. J Appl Physiol. 2007 Apr;102(4):1422-8. Epub 2006 Dec 7. PMID: 17158247

Research Programs

Restoration of respiratory muscle function in subjects with
spinal cord injury:

Spinal cord stimulation to restore an effective cough mechanism in subjects with cervical and thoracic spinal cord injury. – Clinical Trial
High Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation (HF-SCS) to restore inspiratory muscle function in spinal cord injury – Pre-Clinical Stage (Animal Study)

Contact Information