SPINAL CORD INJURIES

This study tested an experimental drug called NVG-291 in people with spinal cord injuries to see if it could help improve movement and strength. The trial was stopped early and included 24 adults with cervical spinal cord injuries. Participants received either the drug or a place…

This study tested a special balance training program for people with incomplete spinal cord injury who are at high risk of falling. The training involved unexpected pushes or pulls to trigger a stepping response, with some participants also receiving electrical stimulation to hel…

This study tested a new therapy that combines two types of electrical stimulation with balance training (like video games) to help people with incomplete spinal cord injury improve their standing balance. Seventeen participants completed 12 sessions over 4 weeks. The goal was to …

This study tested whether a person with chronic paralysis from a spinal cord injury could control hand movements using only their thoughts. The participant, who already had a brain implant from the BrainGate study, used a computer to decode their intended grasp patterns. Those si…

This study tested whether combining a mild brain stimulation technique (tDCS) with a new mental and physical rehab method (NEUROM) can help people with chronic spinal cord injury regain leg movement and feeling. Fifty-six participants with paralysis below the lower back were rand…

This study tested whether a home exercise program using electrical stimulation to move the legs, combined with a personalized diet, could improve body composition and metabolism in adults with spinal cord injury. Twenty-six participants were assigned to either exercise plus diet …

This study tested whether adding functional electrical stimulation (FES) bicycle ergometry to robotic rehabilitation helps people with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury walk better. 38 participants completed 20 sessions over 4 weeks. The goal was to see if the combination imp…

This study tests whether a 12-week adaptive exercise program can reduce chronic inflammation in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Chronic inflammation is linked to heart and lung disease, the top causes of death in SCI. Twenty-four adults with SCI will be randomly assigned to…

This study tested three different weight loss strategies in 110 adults with chronic spinal cord injury who were overweight. The strategies included portion-controlled meals, enhanced self-monitoring with technology, and a tailored lifestyle program called GLB-SCI. The goal was to…

This pilot study tested whether a year of monthly romosozumab injections, followed by a year of weekly alendronate pills, can improve bone health in women with chronic spinal cord injury and osteoporosis. Twelve non-ambulatory women participated. The goal was to see if this two-s…

This early study tested a wireless patch that uses a tiny electric current to push two drugs (neostigmine and glycopyrrolate) through the skin and into the blood. The goal is to help people with spinal cord injury have predictable bowel movements without needles. Only 2 healthy v…

This study tested whether a brain-computer interface (BCI) training program could improve hand and arm function in people with recent spinal cord injuries. Thirty participants used a system that reads brain signals during hand motor imagery exercises. The goal was to see if this …

This study tests whether a personalized nutrition plan can help people with a recent spinal cord injury avoid gaining unhealthy body fat and becoming obese. About 56 participants will receive tailored dietary advice for one year. The goal is to improve long-term health and preven…

This early-stage trial tested a new oral drug called MTR-601 in 89 healthy adults to see if it is safe and how the body processes it. The drug aims to reduce muscle stiffness and spasms, which could help people with conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. S…

This small study tested whether a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (called auricular vagus nerve stimulation) is safe for people with chronic spinal cord injuries. Sixteen participants received the stimulation over two visits. The main goal was to check for side e…

This completed Phase 2 trial tested a smart, hands-free faucet called Access-H2O for people with spinal cord injury. The faucet uses voice, motion, and remote controls to let users get water for drinking, grooming, and washing without help. Twenty-three participants with spinal c…

This small study tested whether training with a robotic exoskeleton (a wearable robot suit) can help improve bowel function in people with spinal cord injury. Ten adults with long-term spinal cord injury used the exoskeleton in a supervised program. Researchers measured changes i…

This study tested a home-based program for people with spinal cord injury that combines leg cycling with electrical stimulation, arm exercise, and a hormone treatment. The goal was to see if this combination improves aerobic fitness, daily function, and overall health better than…

This study tested whether people with spinal cord injuries can reach a high-intensity heart rate while walking in a robotic exoskeleton. Eleven participants completed five training sessions using the Ekso device. Researchers measured heart rate, walking speed, and endurance befor…

This pilot study tested whether a non-invasive treatment called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) can safely reduce spasticity—muscle stiffness and spasms—in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Five participants received ESWT or a sham treatment, and researchers measure…

This completed Phase 3 trial tested whether brivaracetam, a drug used for seizures, can reduce chronic nerve pain in people with spinal cord injury. 44 adults with persistent pain took part. The study compared brivaracetam to a placebo and measured changes in pain intensity and d…

This study tested a device that combines mild electrical muscle stimulation with a balance-board video game to help people with spinal cord injury or stroke improve their balance and reduce fall risk. 18 adults who were at least one year past their injury took part. The goal was …

This study tested two types of magnetic brain stimulation (iTBS and rTMS) combined with robotic walking therapy in 30 people with chronic spinal cord injury. The goal was to see if these treatments could improve leg strength, walking ability, and daily independence. All participa…

This study tested two 8-week home exercise programs for 96 adults with spinal cord injury. One program used movement to music, the other standard exercises. Researchers measured physical activity levels and pain to see which approach worked better.

This study looked at whether a type of talk therapy called prolonged exposure therapy can help reduce PTSD symptoms in people with spinal cord injuries. Thirty adults with both conditions were randomly assigned to receive the therapy or continue their usual care. The main goal wa…

This study tested a new online program to help people with spinal cord injury cope better and improve their mental health. Twelve adults with spinal cord injury and mild anxiety or depression took part in eight weekly online group sessions led by a nurse. The main goal was to see…

This study looked at whether high-intensity walking training is better than lower-intensity walking exercise for people with chronic, motor incomplete spinal cord injury. Researchers measured walking speed and distance in 53 participants. The goal was to find a more effective way…

This study tested a new approach to help people with spinal cord injury walk better. Participants received brief sessions of mild low-oxygen air (acute intermittent hypoxia) combined with gentle electrical stimulation on the back, plus walking practice. The goal was to see if thi…

This study tested an intensive motor rehabilitation program that uses advanced technology to help adults with chronic stroke or spinal cord injury improve their daily functioning. 102 participants were randomly assigned to either the tech-enhanced rehab or a control group. The go…

This completed Phase 1 trial tested whether three FDA-approved drugs (cyproheptadine, carbidopa-levodopa, and atomoxetine) could improve hand function when combined with hand training exercises in 25 people with chronic spinal cord injury. Participants took a single dose of one d…

This early-phase study tested whether short bursts of low-oxygen breathing (acute intermittent hypoxia) combined with high-intensity arm training could improve hand and arm function in 58 people with chronic spinal cord injury. Participants had injuries between neck levels C1 and…

This study tested whether starting gentle leg cycling in bed within 48 hours after spinal surgery is safe and doable for people with severe spinal cord injuries. Forty-five adults took part, cycling for 30 minutes daily for two weeks. Researchers checked for safety, how many sess…

This study tested whether therapy sessions delivered via iPad FaceTime could help people with spinal cord injury who feel depressed. 75 adults with recent spinal cord injury and mild to moderate depression received cognitive behavior therapy from a psychologist. The goal was to r…

This pilot study tested whether brivaracetam, a drug used for seizures, can reduce severe nerve pain in people with chronic spinal cord injury. 24 participants received either brivaracetam or a placebo for 3 months. The study aimed to see if a larger trial is possible and measure…

This study tested a 12-week exercise program set to music for adults with physical disabilities like spinal cord injury, stroke, or Parkinson's disease. Participants exercised three times a week via video calls, doing movements adapted to their ability. The goal was to see if the…

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) games could help people with tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) improve arm and hand function during hospital rehabilitation. Twelve participants either received standard therapy or added VR games to their routine for 12 weeks…

This phase 2 trial tested whether buspirone, a drug usually used for anxiety, can improve breathing capacity in people with chronic high-level spinal cord injuries. Thirteen participants took either buspirone or a placebo for 14 days. Researchers measured lung function, breathing…

This study tested two different robotic exoskeletons—one that balances itself and one that requires the user to balance—in 6 people with spinal cord injury. Researchers measured how fast and far participants could walk with each device, along with muscle activity and user feedbac…

This completed study from France reviewed the long-term results of a surgery called continent cutaneous urinary diversion in 70 spinal cord injury patients. The surgery creates a new way to drain urine through the belly when patients cannot use a catheter normally. Researchers co…

This study looked at how the interaction between a physical therapist and a patient affects recovery during robot-assisted walking training for people with spinal cord injury. 55 participants were split into two groups: one with high therapist interaction and one with minimal int…

This study looked at whether slow, yogic-style breathing can affect heart rate and blood pressure in people with spinal cord injuries. Seventeen wheelchair users completed breathing exercises while their heart and blood pressure were measured. The goal was to learn more about how…

This study looked at whether robotic gait training helps people with spinal cord injury walk better compared to standard walking therapy. 115 patients in inpatient rehab took part. The goal was to measure improvements in walking ability and speed.

This study looked at 22 adults with spinal cord injury to understand whether anxiety or physical discomfort causes changes in heart rate and blood pressure during bladder catheterization. Participants either did the procedure themselves or had a nurse do it, with some not knowing…

This study looked at what resilience means for people living with a spinal cord injury. Researchers interviewed 28 adults who had their injury at least one year ago, asking about their experiences and having them fill out surveys. The goal was to find common themes among people a…

This study tested a new training device called an eccentric arm-crank in 12 athletes with spinal cord injury. Over 20 training sessions, participants used the device to build upper body strength and endurance. The goal was to see if the device is practical and effective for impro…

This small study tested whether it is safe and practical to use two devices together in people with recent spinal cord injury. Eight participants received both a mild electrical stimulator placed on the back and leg, and a low-level laser. The main goal was to see if the equipmen…

This study looked at how the calf muscle and Achilles tendon work together during walking in people who have had a stroke or spinal cord injury, compared to healthy individuals. Researchers used ultrasound and motion analysis to measure muscle and tendon lengths in 64 adults. The…

This study followed 42 adults with spinal cord injury for one year after leaving rehab. Researchers tracked what they ate, how active they were, and their mood to understand why weight gain happens. The goal is to use this information to design better programs that help people wi…

This study tested whether a brain-spinal cord-muscle training program can strengthen connections that control movement in people with spinal cord injury. Twenty-one participants completed four months of training using brain stimulation and muscle monitoring. The goal was to see i…

This completed study looked at 80 people with spinal cord injuries to understand how arm, shoulder, and wrist problems relate to their daily lives. Researchers used ultrasound to examine these areas and compared the findings with pain levels and physical exams. The goal was to id…

This study tested whether personalized walking training based on detailed 3D movement analysis works better than standard walking therapy. 63 people with spinal cord damage from injury or multiple sclerosis took part. The goal was to see if customizing exercises to each person's …

This study involved 32 adults with arm weakness from stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury. Researchers measured how much force patients could voluntarily produce in their arms and used that data to build mathematical models. The goal is to use these models to improve…

This small study tested whether mild nerve stimulation could increase vaginal blood flow in women with sexual problems, spinal cord injury, or no issues at all. Nine women had a small sensor placed in the vagina to measure blood flow changes during stimulation. The goal was to un…

This study tested a mobile app called SCI-Lynx designed to help people with spinal cord injury connect with others who have similar exercise goals. Over one month, 33 participants used the app to find exercise buddies, set goals, and track progress. The goal was to see if the app…

This small study tested whether briefly restricting blood flow to one arm (called remote ischemic conditioning, or RIC) could improve hand function in people with spinal cord injury or ALS. Participants did hand exercises while receiving either active RIC or a sham version. The g…

This early-phase trial in 13 healthy volunteers measures how two drugs, neostigmine and glycopyrrolate, enter the bloodstream when given through a skin patch using a mild electric current (iontophoresis) compared to an IV. The goal is to see if this needle-free method could one d…

This study looked at how sleep apnea and low oxygen levels affect muscle strength and breathing in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Thirty adults with neck-level spinal cord injuries were tested using hand grip strength and muscle activity measurements. The goal was to und…

This study tested whether a single session of high-intensity interval training (three 20-second all-out efforts on an arm bike) could improve heart and brain function in 30 people with spinal cord injury compared to uninjured controls. The goal was to see if this type of exercise…