Spinal zaps may restore hand function in paralyzed veterans

NCT ID NCT05157282

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive device that sends small electrical pulses to the spine, combined with repetitive hand and arm exercises, can improve movement in people with chronic tetraplegia from a cervical spinal cord injury. Researchers will measure changes in muscle responses and hand function tests. The trial enrolls 86 participants, including veterans and healthy volunteers.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: NeoStim-5 device delivering electrical stimulation to the spine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to improve arm and hand movement in people with tetraplegia, helping them regain some independence.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with 86 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The stimulation is non-invasive but may not produce meaningful functional gains.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SPINAL CORD INJURY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

SPINAL CORD INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
RECRUITING

Hines, Illinois, 60141-3030, United States
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
RECRUITING

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.