Spinal zaps plus treadmill training may help TBI survivors walk again

NCT ID NCT06886152

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · 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 — 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.

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.

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

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Kessler Foundation

    West Orange, New Jersey, 07052, United States

    Contact

  • Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

    Contact