Spinal zaps may restore hand function in paralyzed veterans

NCT ID NCT05157282

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.

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

  • Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL

    RECRUITING

    Hines, Illinois, 60141-3030, United States

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

    Contact

  • Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

    RECRUITING

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

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