Spinal zaps may help vets with paralysis boost blood pressure and exercise

NCT ID NCT05664646

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

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive electrical stimulation device placed on the skin over the spine can help veterans with spinal cord injury improve blood pressure, exercise capacity, and body temperature regulation. Twenty veterans with injuries between the neck and upper back will compare active stimulation to a sham (inactive) device during arm cycling and in a cool room. The goal is to see if this simple approach can address common autonomic problems after spinal cord injury.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a non-invasive way to help people with spinal cord injury manage blood pressure, exercise longer, and regulate body temperature.

What could go wrong

This is a small early study with only 20 veterans, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects may be modest or not work at all.

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.

Hypotension, Orthostatic hypotensive disorder Motor Activity spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY

    The Bronx, New York, 10468-3904, United States