Spinal zaps may help kids with paralysis grip again
NCT ID NCT06489106
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This small study tests a noninvasive method called transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (scTS) to help children aged 7-12 with chronic cervical spinal cord injury regain hand function. Researchers will find the best placement and strength of stimulation on the neck and lower back, and compare stimulation combined with arm training versus training alone. The goal is to improve grip strength and control, not to cure the 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 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jul 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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7 to 12 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: For aim 1 and 2, 10 participants with SCI: 1. age 7-12 years; 2. chronic (\>6 months), acquired upper motor neuron SCI; 3. cervical SCI at or above C8 neurological level with motor score of 1-3 for finger flexors 4. Pediatric Neurorecovery scale score of ≥2B and ≤ 4C for impaired grip For Aim 3, 4 participants with SCI who: 1. complete aim 1 and 2; 2. consent/assent for aim 3 3. demonstrate a minimum of 10% increase in HG force with scTS (aim1-2) 4. confirmed volitional activation in hand muscles during hang grip assessment without scTS Exclusion Criteria: For all 3 aims will include: 1. Botox use within past 3 months (for upper or lower extremity); 2. current oral baclofen (or pump); 3. musculoskeletal impairment limiting range of motion; 4. unhealed fracture or other medical condition limiting participation in AB-UET; 5. etiology of spina bifida; 6. total ventilator dependence.
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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
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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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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Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center
Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can magnetic pulses to the brain restore hand control after spinal injury?
- Spinal zaps may calm muscle spasms after injury
- Spinal stimulation may unlock better hand control after injury
- Mind over matter: can a wireless brain implant restore control for the paralyzed?
- Spinal cord zap may help people breathe again after neck injury
- Hands-Free faucet gives independence back to spinal cord injury patients