Spinal zaps plus treadmill training may help TBI survivors walk again
NCT ID NCT06886152
First seen Jun 26, 2026 ยท Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study will test whether a mild electrical stimulation applied to the lower back, combined with walking exercises, can improve mobility and balance in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who have weakness on one side. Thirty adults with a non-penetrating TBI at least two years ago will be randomly assigned to receive either real stimulation or a sham (no current) during gait training. The goal is to see if this approach can boost walking speed, endurance, and overall quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only โ not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive way to improve walking and balance after traumatic brain injury.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 30 people. The sham group may show similar improvements, and results may not apply to all TBI patients.
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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
Locations
-
Kessler Foundation
West Orange, New Jersey, 07052, United States
-
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a natural protein fragment help the brain heal after severe injury?