SPINAL CORD INJURIES

This early-stage trial tests a brain-computer interface called BrainGate for people with paralysis from conditions like ALS or spinal cord injury. A small sensor is placed in the brain to interpret movement-related signals, allowing users to control a tablet computer just by thin…

This study tests an implanted spinal cord stimulator (ARC-IM System) to help people with chronic spinal cord injury manage dangerously low blood pressure and fainting. Sixty participants will receive the implant and be randomly assigned to active or sham stimulation for 3 months,…

This study tests a new exercise program for people with spinal cord injury. It combines arm cycling with electrical stimulation to the legs, plus high-intensity interval training, after a muscle-strengthening prep phase. The goal is to see if this program improves heart fitness, …

This study tests the safety and feasibility of the BrainGate2 system, a brain-computer interface. Tiny sensors are placed in the brain area that controls movement, allowing people with tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) to control a computer cursor or other assistive devic…

This study tests whether a non-invasive spinal cord stimulation device, used while exercising on an arm bike, can improve blood pressure and heart function in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Sixteen adults with paralysis at or above the T6 level will receive either real o…

This study is testing whether epidural stimulation—a device placed near the spinal cord—can improve walking, standing, and bladder function in people who have had a spinal cord injury within the past year. Sixteen participants will receive stimulation combined with stand training…

This early-stage study tests whether a mixture of viruses (called phages) that specifically kill E. coli bacteria is safe for people with spinal cord injuries who have bacteria in their bladder. Thirty adults will receive the phage solution directly into the bladder twice daily f…

This study tests whether functional electrical stimulation (FES) can improve arm and hand function in people with spinal cord or peripheral nerve injuries. Researchers will use the MyndMove device to stimulate muscles during short therapy sessions. The goal is to see if this appr…

This study tests whether a non-invasive nerve stimulation on the leg, called transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS), can help maintain bladder function in people with recent spinal cord injury. Researchers will enroll 120 adults with spinal injuries at level T9 or above, …

This pilot study is testing whether a noninvasive device that sends mild electrical pulses through the skin to the spinal cord can help improve arm and hand function in people with stroke or spinal cord injury. Researchers will measure changes in nerve activity and movement skill…

This study tests whether semaglutide (Ozempic), a drug used for type 2 diabetes, works well for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who also have diabetes. SCI patients are at higher risk for diabetes, but it's unclear if standard treatments are effective. The trial will measure…

This study tests a method to fine-tune epidural spinal cord stimulation in 100 adults with complete spinal cord injuries between C6 and T10. The goal is to help them regain voluntary leg movement and improve functions like blood pressure control. Participants must be at least 22,…

This study tests whether a simple, home-based technique called remote ischemic conditioning can improve heart health in people with spinal cord injury. Participants will use a blood pressure cuff to briefly restrict blood flow to an arm, then release it, repeating this several ti…

This study tests whether starting leg cycling within the first week after a traumatic spinal cord injury can reduce complications like pneumonia and pressure sores, and improve nerve recovery. About 102 adults with recent spinal cord injuries will take part. The goal is to see if…

This early study tests a device called the Bidirectional Neural Bypass System in up to 7 people with tetraplegia (paralysis from the neck down). The device is designed to let users move and feel their hand and wrist again by bypassing the damaged spinal cord. Researchers will mea…

This study is testing a robotic exoskeleton called TWIICE Rise to see if it is safe and practical for people with spinal cord injury to use for walking. The trial involves 15 participants and will take place in clinics, homes, and community settings. The goal is to assess how wel…

This study tests whether a noninvasive spinal cord stimulation device can safely improve bladder, bowel, and sexual function in people with spinal cord injury. About 60 veterans and adults in Canada and Ukraine will receive either real or sham stimulation alongside standard rehab…

This early study tests a single treatment of EG110A injections into the bladder muscle for adults with spinal cord injury who still have bladder leaks despite standard care. The goal is to see if the treatment is safe and can reduce incontinence. Sixteen participants will be foll…

This study tests whether a surgical procedure called duroplasty can improve recovery after a severe spinal cord injury in the neck. The surgery involves opening the tough membrane around the cord and stitching in a patch to give the swollen cord more space. Researchers will compa…

This study tests whether a combination of a wearable robot suit, electrical spinal stimulation, and muscle-strengthening exercises can help people with complete spinal cord injury walk on their own. Twenty adults with paralysis from the chest down will train for months to see if …

This study tests a new rehabilitation program for people with recent spinal cord injuries (within 1-5 months). Participants walk on a downhill treadmill while receiving electrical stimulation to their leg and trunk muscles. The goal is to improve walking and movement. Researchers…

This trial tests a device implanted in the arm that stimulates paralyzed muscles to help people with cervical spinal cord injury pick up and release objects. The study involves 13 participants and focuses on safety and how well the device improves hand function. It is an early-st…

This study tests a fully implanted neuroprosthetic device designed to improve hand, reach, and trunk function in people with cervical spinal cord injuries. Thirty participants will receive the device and be evaluated on their ability to perform daily activities with and without i…

This study tests a new spinal implant system (ARC-IM Lumbar) in 8 people with chronic spinal cord injury who already have a spinal implant. The goal is to improve walking, bladder, bowel, and sexual function, and make the system easier to use at home. Participants will be followe…

This study tests two surgical procedures to reduce further damage after a severe spinal cord injury. Ten adults with recent spinal cord injury will receive either a standard decompression surgery or that surgery plus a nerve graft. The goal is to see if these approaches are safe …

This early study tests whether a spinal cord stimulator can safely help people with cervical spinal cord injuries breathe without a ventilator. Twelve adults who have been injured for at least a year and rely on a breathing machine will receive an implant and attend weekly sessio…

This study tests whether breathing a low-oxygen gas mixture (mild intermittent hypoxia) can help prevent blood pressure problems in people with spinal cord injuries. The 24 participants will have motor-incomplete injuries above the 12th thoracic vertebra and signs of autonomic dy…

This study tests whether an implanted epidural electrical stimulator can help people with spinal cord injury move better. Twenty participants will receive the device and undergo physical rehabilitation. Researchers will measure brain activity, muscle signals, and joint movement t…

This study tests a new therapy that uses a brain-computer interface to detect when a person tries to move, then activates spinal cord stimulation to help them walk. It is for people with incomplete spinal cord injury who are at least 6 months post-injury. The goal is to see if it…

This study is testing a new, 10-minute MRI sequence (3D FGAPSIR) to see if it can find more spinal cord lesions in people with multiple sclerosis than standard scans. Researchers will enroll 200 adults already scheduled for a spinal MRI. The goal is to improve detection of spinal…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can reduce nerve pain, depression, and sleep problems in people with spinal cord injury. Researchers will compare two different rTMS protocols against a placebo in 63 adults. Participants continue the…

This study tests a smartwatch-based system that gives real-time tips and reminders to help people with spinal cord injury increase their physical activity. About 196 adults who use wheelchairs will be split into two groups: one gets a standard web-based exercise program, and the …

This study tests whether electrical stimulation of the lower spinal cord, combined with rehabilitation, can help people with incomplete spinal cord injuries walk short distances and improve bladder and sexual function. Fourteen adults with stable, incomplete injuries will receive…

This study tests whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve walking in people with incomplete spinal cord injury. Six adults who have had a spinal injury for at least one year will receive DBS to a brain area called the cuneiform nucleus. The goal is to see if it safely hel…

This study tests a powered leg brace called the Nomad in 36 people who have trouble walking due to conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury. Participants will use the brace at home for three months to see if it improves their walking speed, balance, and q…

This study tests whether a smartphone app and e-coaching can help people with spinal cord injury stick to exercise guidelines. About 50 participants will use either a basic or interactive app, and those who struggle may get extra coaching. The goal is to find the best way to boos…

This study tests whether a low glycemic diet and lower-body electrical stimulation can prevent blood pressure from dropping too low after meals in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Thirteen participants will try both a low and high glycemic diet, with and without electrical…

This study tests a new multi-speed ergonomic wheelchair designed to reduce shoulder overuse injuries common in manual wheelchair users. Thirty adults who use a manual wheelchair daily will try different gear ratios on various surfaces. The goal is to see if the design improves pr…

This study tests a new hands-free, self-balancing exoskeleton designed to help people with spinal cord injury walk again. Ten adults with paralysis or weakness in their legs will train with the device over several sessions. The goal is to see if the exoskeleton is safe and helps …

This study tests whether a device that sends mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord can help people with a cervical (neck) spinal cord injury regain arm and hand function. The device, called the CoverEdgeX 32 Surgical Lead, is already approved for pain but is investigational f…

This study looks at whether two physical therapy techniques—pulsed wound irrigation and electrical stimulation—can help heal pressure injuries (bedsores) in people with spinal cord injuries. Forty adults in rehab will receive one of three treatments: both techniques, irrigation a…

This study tests whether using mild electrical pulses on the belly muscles during a bowel program can cut down the time it takes. Fifteen adults with chronic spinal cord injury (above T11) will try the device at home and track their bowel routine times, quality of life, and any c…

This study tests whether breathing low oxygen, along with spinal cord stimulation and walking practice, can improve walking for people with chronic spinal cord injury. About 60 adults with some walking ability will take part. The goal is to see if these combined treatments can he…

This study is for adults aged 18–80 with chronic spinal cord injury who can already walk a little. It combines short periods of breathing low oxygen, spinal cord stimulation, and walking practice to see if it helps them walk better. The goal is to improve walking speed and endura…

This study tests whether a gentle electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, combined with breathing exercises, can improve lung function in people with chronic spinal cord injury. About 36 adults will be split into three groups: breathing training alone, stimulation alone, or bo…

This study tests whether a spinal cord stimulator, combined with breathing exercises, can improve respiratory function in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Thirty adults with neck-level injuries will undergo 16 weeks of training while using the device. Researchers will meas…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can reduce nerve pain in people with spinal cord injury. Sixty adults will receive either real or sham rTMS daily for 15 sessions while continuing their usual pain medications. Pain levels will be mea…

This study is testing a safe, non-invasive treatment called rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) for depression in people with spinal cord injury. Fourteen adults with a spinal cord injury and major depression will receive daily rTMS sessions for four weeks. The go…

This study is testing whether a slow, resistive yogic breathing technique called Ujjayi can improve breathing, lung function, and sleep in people with spinal cord injuries. Twenty adults aged 18 to 60 who use wheelchairs will practice Ujjayi breathing for six weeks. Before and af…

This study tests whether a gentle electrical current applied to the skin over the spinal cord (called transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation) can safely improve walking in children aged 3 to 16 with incomplete spinal cord injury. Twenty children will receive either real stimulati…

This study is testing a wearable robotic hand orthosis called MyHand-SCI for people with C6-C7 spinal cord injury. The device is designed to assist with hand and finger movement. Researchers will enroll 40 participants to evaluate how usable and helpful the device is. The goal is…

This small pilot study tests whether adding a gentle electrical stimulation to the spinal cord (tSCS) can make robotic arm training more effective for people with chronic tetraplegia from a spinal cord injury. Six to eight adults with neck-level injuries will first receive roboti…

This early-stage study tests whether a new drug called EC5026 is safe and can reduce nerve pain in people with spinal cord injury. About 36 adults with pain from traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury will take either the drug or a placebo daily for 14 days. Researchers wi…

This study is for people with spinal cord injury who also have depression. It tests a new method to dose a brain stimulation treatment called rTMS, which is already approved for depression but usually requires a thumb movement to set the dose. Since many with spinal cord injury h…

This study tests whether a 10-week online expressive writing program can help adults with spinal cord injury work through feelings of grief and loss. Participants will write about their emotions with guidance from a coach and share reflections with others. The goal is to see if t…

This study tests whether combining a powered exoskeleton (a robotic leg brace) with functional electrical stimulation (small muscle zaps) can improve walking speed in people with chronic spinal cord injury. About 34 participants with incomplete injuries will be randomly assigned …

This study tests whether playing a virtual reality walking game at home can help reduce neuropathic pain in adults with chronic spinal cord injury. 250 participants with complete injuries will use a VR headset to see virtual legs walking from a first-person view. They will play t…

This study tests whether playing a virtual reality walking game at home can reduce neuropathic pain in adults with incomplete spinal cord injury. Participants will use a headset to see virtual legs and walk in a virtual world for about 30 minutes twice daily over 10 days. The goa…

This study tests whether combining non-invasive spinal cord stimulation with walking rehabilitation can reduce muscle stiffness and improve leg strength and walking ability in people with incomplete spinal cord injury. Ten adults with stable, incomplete spinal cord injury who can…

This study tests whether sildenafil (the drug in Revatio, similar to Viagra) can reduce urine leakage in people with spinal cord injuries. Twenty-four adults who have at least three leaks per week will take either sildenafil or a placebo for four weeks. Researchers will track how…

This study tests whether adding a non-invasive spinal cord stimulation technique (TSCS) to standard rehabilitation can improve arm and hand function in people with a recent spinal cord injury. About 18 adults with cervical-level injuries will receive either real or sham stimulati…

This study tests whether combining bodily illusions (like the rubber hand illusion) with mild brain stimulation (tDCS) can reduce neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury. Thirty participants will undergo 10 sessions over 2-4 weeks. The goal is to see if these technique…

This study tests whether a noninvasive electrical stimulation applied to the lower back can reduce spasticity (involuntary muscle activity), improve muscle strength, and lessen pain in people with spinal cord injury. Thirty-six participants will receive the stimulation over sever…

This study tests whether pairing brain stimulation with spinal cord stimulation can make hand exercises more effective for people with chronic cervical spinal cord injury. The idea is that synchronized stimulation strengthens nerve circuits, improving hand muscle responses. Up to…

This study tests whether training a spinal reflex can reduce neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury. Fifteen participants will undergo about 50 sessions of reflex training over 6.5 months. The goal is to see if changing this reflex can lower pain and improve sensation…

This study is for people with chronic back or leg pain who are already scheduled to get a spinal cord stimulator. Researchers want to see if a new method called telefitting can find the best stimulation settings faster and more effectively. Participants will try different stimula…

This study tests a behavioral training program that teaches people with chronic spinal cord injury to reduce a specific leg reflex. The goal is to decrease spasticity and improve walking speed and distance. 25 participants will train for about 6 months, with researchers measuring…

This study tests a wearable robotic arm exoskeleton to help people with spinal cord injuries improve arm and hand function. Nine tetraplegic inpatients will use the device for 12 weeks alongside standard rehab. Researchers will measure changes in arm strength, movement, and daily…

This study tests whether gentle electrical stimulation on the back can help stabilize blood pressure in people who recently had a spinal cord injury. Participants will undergo sit-up tests with and without stimulation to see if it prevents dizziness and keeps blood pressure in a …

This study tests whether mild electrical stimulation on the back can help stabilize blood pressure in people with chronic spinal cord injury who experience dizziness or fainting when sitting up. Five participants will have their blood pressure measured while tilted on a table, wi…

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are developing a new scale to measure mental body representation—how people perceive and are aware of their bodies—in adults with spinal cord injury. The study involves 80 participants, including those with and without neuropathic pain, …

This early-stage study tests a brain implant called BrainGate in just 3 people with severe paralysis or speech loss from conditions like ALS or spinal cord injury. The goal is to see if the device is safe and can let users control a computer cursor or other tools by thought alone…

This study from Mayo Clinic looks at how the body manages blood pressure after a spinal cord injury and whether those changes can predict future health problems. Researchers will test 18 people with spinal cord injuries (either recent or long-term) using simple procedures like co…

This Mayo Clinic study is looking at how spinal cord stimulation affects blood pressure, heart rate, and immune function in people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers will test how the body handles changes in blood pressure using simple tasks like hand cold pressor tests and b…

This Mayo Clinic study measures how well the autonomic nervous system works after spinal cord injury. Researchers will test blood pressure control and nerve responses in 69 people with and without injury. Participants also wear a smartwatch to track skin signals, heart rate, and …

This study looks at why some people develop nerve pain after a spinal cord injury. Researchers will use pain tests, nerve measurements, and heart rate checks in 300 participants to understand the underlying causes. The goal is to better classify pain types, not to test a new trea…

This study explores whether a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) can help people with motor disorders, such as spinal cord injury or stroke, control assistive devices using their thoughts. Researchers will record brain signals with EEG and use machine learning to interpr…

This study aims to see if a specially designed education module helps people with spinal cord injury (SCI) learn about their increased risk for heart disease, obesity, and metabolic problems. Researchers will enroll 250 adults with SCI and measure changes in knowledge, body weigh…

This study looks at how spinal cord injury changes the gut's nervous system and intestinal barrier. Researchers will take colon biopsies from 40 people with spinal cord injury and compare them to healthy controls. The goal is to understand gut problems after injury and find possi…

This study looks at how spinal cord stimulation combined with physical training can change the way nerves work in people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers will measure brain-to-muscle signals and reaction times in 120 participants to understand if these changes lead to bette…

This study compares two types of spinal stimulation—transcutaneous (through the skin) and epidural (implanted via surgery)—to see how they help people with spinal cord injury generate leg force and stand with support. Sixty adults aged 22-75 who cannot stand independently will pa…

This study tests whether breathing low oxygen for short periods (called intermittent hypoxia) can improve walking and strength in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Researchers want to understand how this affects the nervous system. The trial involves 44 participants who wil…

This study looks at whether starting body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) at different times within the first 6 months after a spinal cord injury affects walking ability. 108 participants will be randomly assigned to start therapy within 60 days, 3 months, 6 months, o…

This study interviews 60 adults with spinal cord injuries and neurogenic bladder, plus their caregivers, to learn about their experiences with different types of bladder washes (gentamicin, lactobacillus, or both). The goal is to understand what they like, dislike, and find helpf…

This study looks at how fast the bladder is filled during a urodynamic test affects a condition called autonomic dysreflexia (sudden high blood pressure) in people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers will test two different filling speeds in 30 participants to see which one ca…

This study uses MRI scans to observe how the brain and spinal cord change after a spinal cord injury. Researchers will compare 450 patients (from recent to long-term injury) with healthy volunteers. The goal is to find imaging markers that can predict recovery and guide rehabilit…

This study will follow 35 people who recently had a spinal cord injury to see how their gut bacteria change over the first year. Researchers will collect blood, stool samples, and bowel function surveys at the start, 6 months, and 12 months. The goal is to understand how the gut …

This study uses advanced MRI scans to see how the brain and spinal cord change after a spinal cord injury. Researchers will study 225 adults with recent or long-term injuries, as well as those with related conditions. The goal is to better understand nerve activity below the inju…

This study looks at whether intensive upper-limb training, started within 13 weeks of a cervical spinal cord injury, can trigger changes in the brain and nerves that improve arm and hand function. Researchers will measure brain activity, nerve signals, and motor skills in 44 part…

This study is checking if it's possible to give gabapentin, a nerve pain medication, within the first few days after a spinal cord injury. The goal is to see if a larger study on nerve recovery can be done. About 42 adults with any level or severity of spinal cord injury will tak…

This study tests a brain implant that reads signals from the brain to help people who have lost the ability to speak fluently communicate through a computer just by trying to talk. It involves up to 2 participants with conditions like spinal cord injury or ALS. The main goal is t…

This study looks at why men with spinal cord injury often have low testosterone and how that might damage blood vessels, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers will test blood vessel function in 48 men with recent spinal cord injury and low testosterone. They …

This study looks at why blood vessels may not work as well after a spinal cord injury, which can raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers will measure blood flow and study tiny particles from blood vessel cells in 40 adults with and without spinal cord injuries. T…

This study tests whether short episodes of breathing low-oxygen air can improve breathing strength in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Participants will try three different breathing sessions (low oxygen, low oxygen with extra carbon dioxide, and normal air) to see which w…

This study investigates the reticulospinal system, an ancient part of the brain that controls posture, walking, and reaching. Researchers will use loud sounds and brain stimulation to test how this system works in healthy people and those with spinal cord injury. The goal is to u…

This study is testing whether a mobile health app system can help people with chronic conditions like spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or traumatic brain injury improve their self-management skills and wellness. About 160 participants will use the app for one yea…