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

NCT ID NCT04881565

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.

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 flatfoot prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, UHN

    Toronto, Canada