Rowing with electric stimulation may ease pain after spinal cord injury
NCT ID NCT04137159
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether 12 weeks of rowing exercise with electrical stimulation to move paralyzed legs could reduce nerve pain and brain inflammation in people with spinal cord injury. The study enrolled 13 adults with recent spinal cord injury. Researchers measured pain, brain structure, and inflammation using brain scans and questionnaires.
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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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13 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2020
- Finished
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Nov 2024
- 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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18 to 50 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: \* SCI at or below neurological level C5 with American Spinal Injury Association grade A, B or C, within 3-24 months after injury. Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy * breast feeding * contraindications to MRI * contraindications to PET current or past history of: * major medical illness * major neurological illness other than SCI * major psychiatric illness * diabetes * major kidney or liver problems * use of tobacco * use of recreational drugs * an abnormal physical exam (e.g., heart murmurs or peripheral edema). * unresponsive to FES stimulation * heart disease * physical limitations to FES-RT success * blood pressure\>140/90 mmHg * significant arrhythmias * cancer * epilepsy * current use of cardioactive medications * current grade 2 or greater pressure injuries at relevant contact sites * peripheral nerve compressions or rotator cuff tears that limit the ability to row * history of bleeding disorder
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Serotonin precursor probed for spinal cord injury effects
- Breathing brief Low-Oxygen bursts may boost sleep apnea treatment
- Pure oxygen tested as a switch for dormant nerves after spinal cord injury
- Spinal stimulation tested to help kids with spinal cord injuries sit taller
- Zapping the spine: a new hope for kids with paralysis?
- Can painless spinal zaps teach injured kids to walk again?