Brain-Zap combo aims to restore hand control in paralysis
NCT ID NCT07423949
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests whether combining non-invasive brain stimulation (over the cerebellum) with spinal cord stimulation can improve arm and hand function in people with chronic cervical spinal cord injury. Twenty-four participants will receive either both stimulations, spinal stimulation alone, or sham stimulation while practicing hand tasks three times a week for eight weeks. The study focuses on feasibility, safety, and early signs of improvement in strength and movement control.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- cerebellar theta burst stimulation and cervical transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new non-invasive way to improve arm and hand function for people with spinal cord injury.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early pilot study with only 24 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The approach is still experimental and may not lead to meaningful improvements.
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 24 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Mar 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
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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19 to 75 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: 1. At least 19 years of age and no older than 75 years at the time of enrollment. Previous research has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of stimulation-based interventions in adults up to 75 years of age. The lower age limit reflects the legal age for independent informed consent in British Columbia.7,8 2. Non-progressive cervical SCI from C2-C8 inclusive 3. AIS classification B, C or D 4. Indicated for upper extremity training procedures by the participant's treating physician, occupational therapist, or physical therapist 5. GRASSP-Prehension score ≥10 or GRASSP-Strength score ≥30 6. Minimum 12 months after injury (i.e., chronic SCI) 7. If prescribed anti-spasticity or pain medications, must be at a stable dose for at least 4 weeks before commencing study procedures 8. Stable management of spinal cord related clinical issues (e.g., spasticity management, autonomic dysreflexia) 9. Capable of providing informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Has any unstable or significant medical condition that is likely to interfere with study procedures or likely to confound study endpoint evaluations, such as severe neuropathic pain, depression, mood disorders or other cognitive disorders 2. Has been diagnosed with autonomic dysreflexia that is severe, unstable and uncontrolled 3. History of additional neurologic disease, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury 4. History of seizures (e.g. epilepsy). 5. Any implanted metal (other than dental implants) in the skull or presence of pacemakers, stimulators, or medication pumps in the trunk. 6. Participant has undergone electrode implantation surgery.
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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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University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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