Spinal zaps may boost leg strength in kids with spina bifida
NCT ID NCT07615686
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a mild electrical current applied to the spinal cord (transcutaneous stimulation) can improve leg muscle strength, walking, and bladder function in 20 children with spina bifida (myelomeningocele). The children, aged 4-17, will receive stimulation while researchers measure changes in muscle torque, joint angles, and bladder pressure. The goal is to see if this non-invasive approach offers any immediate benefit.
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 (TENS unit)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive way to improve walking and bladder control in children with spina bifida.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study (20 children) with no control group, so results may not be conclusive. The device is used off-label, and benefits may be modest or absent.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••