Shocking new hope: spinal stimulation may prevent falls after stroke
NCT ID NCT06987682
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a mild electrical stimulation applied to the spinal cord, combined with balance training, can improve stability and reduce fall risk in people who had a stroke over a year ago. Sixteen community-dwelling adults will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham stimulation during balance exercises. The goal is to see if this approach can boost confidence and control, not to cure the stroke itself.
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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 16 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
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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18 years and older
- 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: * Aged 18 years or greater * Diagnosed with a middle cerebral artery stroke \>1 year ago * Community-dwelling (i.e. not living in long-term care or other inpatient setting) * Able to stand independently for 60 seconds * Able to understand spoken English Exclusion Criteria: * Any condition other than stroke that significantly affects their postural control (e.g. vestibular disorder, vision loss) * A prior lower extremity fragility fracture * A planned injection of botulinum toxin to the legs during the intervention period * Peripheral nerve damage in the legs * Contraindications for electrical stimulation (i.e. implanted electronic device, active cancer or radiation in past six months, uncontrolled epilepsy, skin rash/wound at an electrode site, pregnancy, active deep vein thrombosis) * Contraindications for TMS (i.e. seizures, metal in the head) * Previous participation in tSCS within the past 2 years (May affect blinding integrity. Likely uncommon; FES is rarely used in Canada post-stroke.)
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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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KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M4G 3V9, Canada
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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