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.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEMIPLEGIA AND HEMIPARESIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Brain Injuries, Traumatic hemiplegia Paresis traumatic brain injury

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.