SPINAL CORD INJURIES

This study looked at three different weight loss strategies for adults with chronic spinal cord injury who are overweight. The goal was to find which approach—prepackaged meals, better self-monitoring, or a combined program—works best. 110 participants tried each method for 13 we…

This study looked at whether a 12-week adaptive exercise program can lower chronic inflammation in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Chronic inflammation is linked to heart and lung disease, the top causes of death in SCI. Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to st…

This study looked at whether a home exercise program using electrical stimulation for leg muscles, combined with a healthy diet, could improve body composition and metabolism in adults with spinal cord injury. Twenty-six participants were assigned to either the exercise-plus-diet…

This study tested whether a person with chronic arm and hand paralysis from a spinal cord injury could control different hand grasps using a brain-computer interface. The participant had a recording electrode array in the brain and small electrodes implanted in the arm and hand t…

This study tested whether a monthly injection called romosozumab can improve bone health in women with chronic spinal cord injury and osteoporosis. Twelve women received the injections for one year, followed by a year of weekly alendronate pills. The goal was to see if the treatm…

This study tested a new training program for people with incomplete spinal cord injury who are at high risk of falling. The training uses mild electrical stimulation to help improve their ability to catch themselves when they lose balance. 21 participants completed 18 sessions ov…

This study looked at whether a type of talk therapy called Prolonged Exposure Therapy can help reduce PTSD symptoms in people with spinal cord injuries. 30 adults with both conditions were randomly assigned to receive the therapy or their usual care. The main goal was to see if t…

This study tested a 12-week exercise program set to music for 108 adults with physical disabilities like spinal cord injury, stroke, or Parkinson's disease. Participants were split into two groups: one did the music-based exercise, the other waited. The goal was to see if this fu…

This study tested whether the drug brivaracetam can reduce the severe nerve pain that many people with spinal cord injury experience. About 44 adults with chronic spinal cord injury and persistent nerve pain took either the drug or a placebo for several weeks. Researchers measure…

This study tested whether the drug Buspar can increase breathing capacity in people with chronic, high-level spinal cord injuries. 13 participants took part in this phase 2 trial. Researchers measured lung function, breathing drive, sleep quality, and exercise capacity to see if …

This study tested whether a brain-computer interface (BCI) training can improve hand and arm function in 30 people with recent cervical spinal cord injury. Participants imagined moving their hands while a BCI system provided feedback, and their progress was compared to those who …

This study tested whether high-intensity walking training improves walking speed and endurance more than lower-intensity walking in people with chronic, motor incomplete spinal cord injury. 53 adults with this condition participated. The goal was to see if pushing harder during w…

This study tested a new online program to help people with spinal cord injury cope better and improve their mental health. Twelve adults with spinal cord injury who had mild to moderate anxiety or depression took part in eight weekly online group sessions led by a nurse. The main…

This study tested a mobile app called SCI-Lynx designed to help people with spinal cord injury connect with others and support each other in physical activity goals. Over one month, 33 participants used the app to see if it improved their confidence, social support, and activity …

This study tested whether starting gentle leg cycling while still in bed, within 48 hours after spinal surgery, is safe and doable for people with severe spinal cord injuries. Forty-five adults with traumatic injuries took part. The goal was to see if this early movement could be…

This study looked at whether adding functional electrical stimulation (FES) bicycle training to standard robotic rehabilitation helps people with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury walk better and regain leg function. 38 adults who could already walk at least 10 meters with or…

This early-phase study tested whether short, controlled periods of breathing low oxygen (acute intermittent hypoxia) combined with high-intensity arm training could improve hand and arm function in 58 people with chronic spinal cord injury. Participants had injuries at neck level…

This study tested whether therapy sessions over video call (FaceTime) could help people with spinal cord injury who feel depressed. 75 adults with a recent spinal cord injury and mild to moderate depression took part. They received cognitive behavior therapy from a psychologist v…

This study tested two types of non-invasive brain stimulation (iTBS and rTMS) combined with robotic walking therapy in 30 people with chronic spinal cord injury. The goal was to see if these treatments could improve leg strength and walking ability. The trial is complete, but res…

This study tested a home-based program for people with spinal cord injury that combines leg cycling with electrical stimulation, arm exercise, and a hormone treatment. The goal was to see if this approach improves aerobic capacity, physical function, metabolism, and bone health b…

This study tested a device that combines mild electrical muscle stimulation with a balance board video game to help people with spinal cord injury or stroke improve their balance and reduce fall risk. 18 adults who could stand for 60 seconds took part. The goal was to see if this…

This small pilot study tested whether a non-invasive treatment called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) can safely reduce spasticity—painful muscle stiffness and spasms—in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Five participants received either ESWT or a sham treatment, an…

This study looked at whether three FDA-approved drugs (cyproheptadine, carbidopa-levodopa, and atomoxetine) can boost hand function when paired with hand training exercises in people with chronic spinal cord injury. 25 participants with injuries at or above the C8 spinal segment …

This study tested a new approach to help people with spinal cord injury walk better. Participants breathed mild low-oxygen air (like being at high altitude) for short periods and received gentle electrical stimulation on their back, combined with walking practice. The goal was to…

This study tested a drug called brivaracetam to see if it can help people with long-term spinal cord injury who have severe nerve pain that other treatments haven't helped. 24 adults with spinal cord injury and daily pain rated 9 or 10 out of 10 took the drug or a placebo for 3 m…

This study tested a new therapy for people with partial spinal cord injury who have trouble standing and balancing. The therapy combines two types of electrical stimulation with a video game-like balance training. 17 participants completed 12 sessions over 4 weeks. The goal was t…

This study tested two 8-week home exercise programs for 96 adults with spinal cord injury: one set to music and one standard routine. Participants were randomly assigned to either program or a control group. The goal was to see if these remote programs could increase physical act…

This study tested a new rehab method called NEUROM, which combines brain stimulation (tDCS) with mental and physical exercises, in 56 people with chronic spinal cord injury. The goal was to improve leg movement and sensation. Results may offer a new way to boost recovery in peopl…

This study tested whether people with spinal cord injuries can safely reach a high heart rate while walking in a robotic exoskeleton. Eleven participants completed five training sessions using the Ekso exoskeleton. Researchers measured heart rate and walking speed to see if this …

This study tested an intensive motor rehabilitation program that uses advanced technology to help adults with chronic stroke or spinal cord injury. 102 participants were randomly assigned to either the tech-enhanced rehab or standard care. The goal was to see if the program impro…

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) games could be a useful addition to standard therapy for people with tetraplegia (paralysis of arms and legs) from a spinal cord injury. Twelve adults in a spinal injuries unit either received usual rehab or usual rehab plus VR games…

This study looked at whether a new training device called an eccentric arm-crank can help athletes with spinal cord injury improve their upper body strength and endurance. Twelve healthy athletes with spinal cord injury completed 20 training sessions, and their performance was me…

This study looked at 80 people with spinal cord injuries to find out why they have arm, wrist, and shoulder pain. Researchers used ultrasound and physical exams to check for problems and linked them to how long patients used wheelchairs and how long since their injury. The goal w…

This early study tested whether a new stimulation device is safe and practical for people with recent spinal cord injuries. Eight participants in a rehab hospital received the treatment and reported any side effects. The goal was to see if the device works properly and can be use…

This small study looked at whether nerve stimulation could change vaginal blood flow in women. It included 9 women: some healthy, some with sexual dysfunction, and some with spinal cord injuries. Researchers measured blood flow with a small vaginal sensor before and during stimul…

This study tested whether tailoring walking exercises to each person's specific walking problems (identified by 3D motion analysis) works better than standard walking therapy. 63 adults with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis who had mild to moderate walking difficulties to…

This study explored how people show resilience after a spinal cord injury. Researchers interviewed and surveyed 28 adults who had a traumatic spinal cord injury at least one year ago. They looked for common themes among people at different stages of injury (1-5 years, 5-15 years,…

This study looked at how sleep apnea and low oxygen levels impact muscle strength and lung function in 30 adults with chronic spinal cord injury. Researchers measured hand grip strength and muscle activity to compare those with and without sleep apnea. The goal was to better unde…

This study looked at whether slow, yogic breathing exercises can affect heart rate and blood pressure in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Seventeen adults who use wheelchairs and are medically stable took part. Researchers measured heart rate variability, blood pressure, and…

This study looked at how robotic gait training compares to standard walking therapy for people with spinal cord injury during inpatient rehab. 115 participants were involved. The goal was to see if the robotic approach improves walking ability more than usual care.

This study looked at how the calf muscle and Achilles tendon move together during walking in people who have had a stroke or spinal cord injury, compared to healthy individuals. Researchers used ultrasound and 3D motion analysis to measure changes in muscle and tendon length. The…

This study looked at how people with spinal cord injury react physically and emotionally during bladder catheterization. Researchers measured heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety in 22 adults while they did self-catheterization or had a nurse do it. The goal was to tell apart …

This early-phase study tested how two drugs, neostigmine and glycopyrrolate, move into the bloodstream when given through a skin patch (iontophoresis) compared to an IV. Six healthy adults took part to help researchers understand the drugs' behavior. The goal was to gather data f…

This early study tested a simple technique called remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) in 21 people with spinal cord injury or ALS. RIC involves briefly restricting blood flow to a limb using a blood pressure cuff, which may trigger the body's natural repair systems. The goal was t…

This study looked at how one session of high-intensity interval training affects heart and brain function in 30 people with spinal cord injury compared to non-injured individuals. The goal was to see if this type of exercise can improve blood pressure control and thinking skills.…

This early-stage study tested whether a small, wireless patch could safely deliver two bowel medications (neostigmine and glycopyrrolate) through the skin using a tiny, unnoticeable electric current. Only 2 able-bodied volunteers took part to check safety and how the drugs enter …

This study involved 32 people with arm weakness caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury. Researchers measured how much force participants could voluntarily produce in their arm muscles at different angles and speeds. They used this data to build mathematical m…

This study looked at whether people with spinal cord injury can strengthen the connections between their brain and leg muscles through a special training program. 21 participants completed sessions over several months, using brain stimulation and muscle monitoring. The goal was t…

This study followed 42 adults with spinal cord injury for one year after leaving rehab. Researchers tracked what they ate, how active they were, and factors like mood and kitchen access to understand why weight gain happens. The goal is to use this information to design better he…