Could a zapping device boost arm recovery in spinal injury?

NCT ID NCT04288245

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Baylor Research Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests a device that stimulates the vagus nerve during arm rehabilitation exercises to see if it helps people with spinal cord injuries regain upper limb function. Twenty adults with chronic cervical spinal cord injury will receive either active or placebo stimulation during therapy sessions. The main goal is to check safety, with a secondary look at whether the device is practical and potentially effective.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to improve arm and hand function after spinal cord injury by pairing nerve stimulation with rehabilitation.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early safety study with only 20 participants. The device may not provide meaningful benefit, and risks from nerve stimulation are still being assessed.

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.

Paresis spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SPINAL CORD INJURIES UPPER EXTREMITY PARESIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Baylor University Medical Center

Dallas, Texas, 75246, United States

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