New stimulation combo aims to strengthen hands in ALS
NCT ID NCT06172621
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether pairing non-invasive brain and spinal cord stimulation with hand exercises can improve hand strength and dexterity in veterans with ALS. Thirty-two participants will first undergo a personalized optimization period, then receive two weeks of the combined therapy. The goal is to see if this approach can strengthen weakened nerve circuits and offer real-world benefits for daily hand tasks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- paired non-invasive brain and spinal cord stimulation plus hand exercises
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could lead to a non-drug therapy that helps people with ALS maintain hand function for daily activities.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 32 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention is temporary and may not produce lasting benefits.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 32 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2024
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of ALS by Gold Coast Criteria (Shefner et al. 2020) or "definite" or "probable" ALS by revised El Escorial Criteria (Brooks et al. 2000) * Incomplete weakness: Score of 1, 2, 3, or 4 (out of 5) on manual muscle testing of finger extension, finger flexion, or finger abduction in left or right hand * TSCS-evoked potential amplitude of at least 25 V in left or right abductor pollicis brevis (APB) or first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscles with a resting motor threshold of 55 mA or lower * TMS-evoked potential amplitude of at least 25 V in left or right abductor pollicis brevis (APB) or first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscles with a resting motor threshold of 65% MSO or lower Exclusion Criteria: * History of seizures * Ventilator dependence or patent tracheostomy site * Use of medications that significantly lower seizure threshold, such as amphetamines and dalfampridine * History of severe head trauma (evidence of brain contusion or hemorrhage or depressed skull fracture on prior imaging) * History of implanted brain/spine/nerve stimulators, aneurysm clips, ferromagnetic metallic implants in the head (except for inside mouth); cochlear implants; cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator; intracardiac lines; currently increased intracranial pressure; or other contraindications to brain or spine stimulation * Significant coronary artery or cardiac conduction disease; heart failure with an ejection fraction of less than 30% or with a New York Heart Association Functional Classification of Class III or IV * History of significant tinnitus * History of bipolar disorder * History of suicide attempt * Active psychosis * Ongoing illicit drug or alcohol abuse in the past 6 months * Heavy alcohol consumption (greater than equivalent of 5 ounces of liquor) within previous 48 hours * Open skin lesions over the neck, shoulders, or arm stimulation or recording sites * Pregnancy
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
RECRUITINGThe Bronx, New York, 10468-3904, United States
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