His research is primarily focused on plasticity within the spinal neural networks that control motor function. He is currently studying how non-invasive, spinal cord stimulation of the spinal cord in combination with locomotor training interventions can facilitate improvement in motor ability after spinal cord injury and in cerebral palsy. Dr. Edgerton has received numerous awards for his work, including the National Paralysis Foundation Christopher Reeve Award.

After focusing largely on the recovery of motor and autonomic functions after spinal cord injury, his goal is to apply spinal neuromodulatory and activity dependent mechanisms as recovery strategies that are safe, noninvasive and effective technologies based upon fundamental physiological principles that have not previously been widely recognized.