Spinal zap + breathing drills may restore lung power after paralysis

NCT ID NCT05178056

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Louisville Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a spinal cord stimulator, combined with breathing exercises, can improve respiratory function in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Thirty adults with neck-level injuries will undergo 16 weeks of training while using the device. Researchers will measure changes in breathing strength and muscle activity to see if this combination works better than training alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Spinal cord epidural stimulation device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a new rehabilitation approach that helps people with spinal cord injury breathe more easily and reduce related health risks.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device requires surgery, which carries risks like infection or device complications.

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

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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.

BREATHING EXERCISES REHABILITATION SPINAL CORD INJURIES SPINAL CORD STIMULATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Frazier Rehabilitation and Neuroscience Institute
RECRUITING

Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States

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