Spinal zaps and exercise may boost walking after injury
NCT ID NCT05429736
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 02, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether combining motor skill training with a non-invasive spinal stimulation can improve walking, balance, and strength while reducing muscle spasticity in people with incomplete spinal cord injury. Twenty-eight participants will do a series of standing exercises with or without the stimulation. The goal is to see if this approach can be done at home without fancy equipment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- motor skill training and transcutaneous spinal stimulation
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a simple home-based training program to improve walking and reduce muscle tightness after spinal cord injury.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 28 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The training is moderate-intensity and may not produce major 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
-
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
-
About 28 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Mar 2022
- Expected to finish
-
May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
18 to 70 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: * Be 18-70 years of age * Have a spinal cord injury (neurological level C3-T12) that occurred ≥3 months (sub-acute to chronic) prior to enrollment * Have ISNCSCI severity classification C or D * Able to stand for at least 5 minutes (with or without the aid of an assistive device) * Able to move each leg independently for at least 3 steps (with or without the aid of an assistive device) * Able to rise from sit to stand with moderate assistance from one person * Use of prescription medication(s) for control of spasticity if the dosage has not changed in the last 2 weeks and you notify the study staff if your medication(s) change during study participation * Ability and willingness to consent and authorize use of personal health information * Ability to follow multiple instructions and communicate pain or discomfort Exclusion Criteria: * Progressive spinal lesions including degenerative, or progressive vascular disorders of the spine and/or spinal cord * Injuries below the neurological spinal level of T12 * Pregnant, or if you have reason to believe you are or may become pregnant due to unknown risks to the fetus associated with TSS * History of cardiovascular irregularities * Presence of orthopedic conditions that would adversely affect participation in exercise * Implanted stimulators of any type will be excluded due to unknown potential of electrical stimulation effects (e.g., baclofen pump, epidural spinal stimulator, implanted cardiac defibrillator, diaphragmatic pacemaker) * Any cuts or sensitivity of the skin near the level of stimulation * Active cancer or history of cancer * Inability and unwillingness to consent and authorize use of personal health information
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Incomplete spinal cord injury are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
-
Shepherd Center
Atlanta, Georgia, 30309, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a robotic glove restore hand function after stroke or injury?
- Robotic leg trainer put to the test for restoring gait after paralysis and surgery
- Gene therapy aims to halt rare childhood paralysis disorder
- Virtual illusion therapy may boost arm recovery after spinal cord injury
- Mirror illusion may help paralyzed patients walk again
- Robot-Assisted walking may help spinal injury patients regain balance