Downhill treadmill training with electric zaps may help spinal injury patients walk again

NCT ID NCT05337982

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

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 will also check blood and spinal fluid for biomarkers to find the best time to start training. The study includes 49 participants and compares the new training to standard rehabilitation alone.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

downhill eccentric treadmill training with electrical muscle stimulation

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a more effective rehabilitation approach to improve walking and function after spinal cord injury.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage study with only 49 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The training is intensive and may not work for all injury levels.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • The Ohio State University

    RECRUITING

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • University of British Columbia

    RECRUITING

    Vancouver, Canada

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••