Can balance training with electrical stimulation stop falls in spinal cord injury?

NCT ID NCT04881565

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

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 help their leg muscles react. The goal was to see if this approach could reduce falls and improve balance control.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Reactive balance training with functional electrical stimulation
What this could lead to: If successful, this training method could reduce falls and improve independence for people with spinal cord injury.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 21 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The training requires the ability to stand and step, which limits who can benefit.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spinal cord injury flatfoot prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, UHN

Toronto, Canada

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