Brain zaps and feedback may reboot hand control after paralysis
NCT ID NCT06989905
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early study tests whether a 10-week brain stimulation and feedback training program can strengthen the connection between the brain and wrist muscles in people with chronic cervical spinal cord injury. Eleven adults with weak wrist extension will receive non-invasive brain stimulation while trying to increase a muscle response, with the goal of improving arm and hand function. Researchers will also use MRI scans to understand how the brain and spinal cord change with training.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- brain stimulation and feedback training (operant conditioning of motor evoked potential)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive way to improve arm and hand function after spinal cord injury.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial (11 people) testing a new training approach. It may not produce meaningful improvements, and results may not apply to everyone with spinal cord injury.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITINGCharleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
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