Spinal cord stimulation study aims to fine-tune movement without surgery
NCT ID NCT07397559
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is testing a non-surgical method of spinal cord stimulation to help people with spinal cord injury regain movement. Researchers want to see if adjusting the timing and strength of electrical pulses can target specific muscles more precisely. The study involves 48 adults with chronic spinal cord injury who can already move their legs a little. The goal is to improve muscle control and torque, not to cure paralysis.
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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 48 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2030
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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16 to 65 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: 1. Age between 16 and 65 years. 2. Have a spinal cord injury (neurological level C3-T12) that occurred ≥1 year (chronic stage) prior to enrollment. 3. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) classification C or D 4. Able to voluntarily contract (motor score ≥ 1) at least two leg muscles (visual or palpable contraction). 5. Use of prescription medication(s) for control of spasticity has not changed in the last 2 weeks 6. Able to provide consent 7. Ability to follow multiple instructions and communicate pain or discomfort Exclusion Criteria: 1. Progressive spinal lesions, including degenerative disorders of the spinal cord 2. Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding 3. History of cardiopulmonary disease or cardiac symptoms 4. Implanted stimulators of any type (baclofen pump, epidural spinal stimulator, cardiac defibrillator, pace-maker, etc.) 5. Presence of orthopedic conditions that would negatively affect participation in leg exercise 6. History of autonomic dysreflexia that is severe, unstable, and/or uncontrolled 7. Unstable or significant medical conditions that can interfere with exercise or neurophysiological evaluations, such as severe neuropathic pain, depression, mood disorders, or other cognitive disorders 8. Spasms that limit the ability to participate in leg exercise activity 9. Breakdown in skin area that will be in contact with electrodes
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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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Washington University, St. Louis
RECRUITINGSt Louis, Missouri, 63130, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can imagining exercise boost brain power after spinal cord injury?
- Spinal implant aims to restore bladder control after paralysis
- Can virtual walking trick the brain into easing chronic pain?
- Spinal fluid antibody shots tested for fresh spinal cord injuries
- Mind over matter: can a brain implant restore hand control?
- Mind over matter: can a wireless brain implant restore control for the paralyzed?