Shock to the system: which workout rebuilds strength after spinal injury?
NCT ID NCT03621254
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests two different ways of using electrical stimulation to exercise the legs of people with spinal cord injury. One group does short, intense bursts of exercise, while the other does longer, easier sessions. Researchers want to see which method better improves fitness and leg strength. The study involves 20 participants who will exercise for 6-8 weeks.
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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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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2019
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A research network
The lead sponsor is a research network or cooperative group.
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 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.
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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: * Greater than 6-weeks post-trauma after SCI. * Traumatic and atraumatic spinal cord injuries between C7 and T10 * Participants diagnosed with "motor complete' spinal cord injury American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A and B. * Age between 18-75 years old. * Both male and female. * Have at least 90º bilateral knee flexion. * Able to perform FES muscle contractions (not FES intolerant). * Able to follow verbal instructions. Exclusion Criteria: * A recent history of trauma to the lower limb. * Severe or infected pressure sore on weight-bearing skin areas. * Illness caused by acute urinary tract infection. * Uncontrolled spasticity or pain. * History of cardiovascular / cardiorespiratory disease contraindicating exercise. * Uncontrolled orthostatic hypotension. * Unhealed decubiti at electrode placement area. * Recurrent and uncontrolled autonomic dysreflexia. * Active heterotopic ossification. * Other peripheral or central neurologic injury.
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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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Swiss Paraplegic Centre
RECRUITINGNottwil, Canton of Lucerne, 6207, Switzerland
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