Zapping the spine and brain together may restore hand control after paralysis
NCT ID NCT06104735
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether pairing brain stimulation with spinal cord stimulation can make hand exercises more effective for people with chronic cervical spinal cord injury. The idea is that synchronized stimulation strengthens nerve circuits, improving hand muscle responses. Up to 12 participants will undergo many sessions over 6-10 months to find the best stimulation settings for each person. The goal is to improve hand function, which is a top priority for those with this injury.
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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 12 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
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 85 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: * Age between 18-85 years. * Must have stable prescription medication for 30 days prior to screening * Must be able to: abstain from alcohol, smoking and heavy caffeine consumption on the day of each experiment; abstain from recreational drugs for the entirety of the study; commit to study requirements (i.e., 53 visits); provide informed consent. * Score of 1-4 (out of 5) on manual muscle testing of finger extension, finger flexion, or finger abduction in left or right hand. Exclusion Criteria: * Personal or extensive family history of seizures; * Ventilator dependence or patent tracheostomy site; * History of stroke, brain tumor, brain abscess, or multiple sclerosis; * History of severe head trauma requiring neurosurgery; * 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; recent history of myocardial infarction and heart failure with an ejection fraction of less than 30% or with a New York Heart Association Functional Classification of Class III or IV; * Recent history (within past 6 months) of recurrent autonomic dysreflexia, defined as a syndrome of sudden rise in systolic pressure greater than 20 mm Hg or diastolic pressure greater than 10 mm Hg, without rise in heart rate, accompanied by symptoms such as headache, facial flushing, sweating, nasal congestion, and blurry vision (this will be closely monitored during all screening and testing procedures); * History of significant hearing problems; * History of bipolar disorder; * History of suicide attempt; * Active psychosis; * Recent history (\>1 year) of chemical substance dependency or significant psychosocial disturbance; * Heavy alcohol consumption (greater than equivalent of 5oz of liquor) within previous 48 hours; * Open skin lesions over the face, neck, shoulders, or arms; * Pregnancy; and * Unsuitable for study participation as determined by study physician.
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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, 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?