Spinal zaps at home could restore hand control in MS
NCT ID NCT07673354
First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study explores whether non-invasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, combined with hand and arm exercises, can improve upper limb function in people with multiple sclerosis. Participants use a home device with help from a partner over 8 weeks. The study focuses on feasibility and whether this approach can improve dexterity, pain, spasticity, and bladder symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could offer a non-invasive, home-based way to improve hand and arm function and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 2 participants, so results may not apply to a broader population. The intervention requires a partner's help, which may limit feasibility for some.
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
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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 2 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Apr 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 to 70 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.
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: 1. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis 2. Adult individuals between 18 and 70 years of age. 3. Impaired upper extremity function as evidenced by 9-Hole Peg Test \>33.5 sec 4. Partner or caregiver willing to provide support during intervention 5. Ability to give consent 6. For women of childbearing potential, willingness to provide confirmation of a negative over-the-counter home pregnancy test within 2 weeks of study entry and prior to each intervention arm. They must also be willing to practice adequate contraception (which may include implant, intrauterine device (IUD), injection, pill, patch, vaginal ring, or diaphragm) during the study period. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Multiple sclerosis relapse within the past 3 months (given that natural recovery from MS relapse could skew results) 2. History of seizure, active implanted stimulator (pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, cochlear implant, etc.) or baclofen pump 3. Upper extremity Botox injection within the past 4 months 4. Coexisting neurological condition that could interfere with interpretation of testing results (hx of stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy/seizure, ALS, spinal cord injury, central nervous system vasculitis, intracranial tumor, intracranial aneurysm, cervical myelopathy/radiculopathy or peripheral neuropathy (diabetic polyneuropathy, entrapment neuropathy), etc.), 5. History of major active psychiatric illness that could interfere with treatment, such as severe depression, alcohol/drug abuse, or dementia. 6. Contraindication to transcranial magnetic stimulation 7. Serious comorbidities (e.g., cardiac arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, respiratory disease, cancer, renal failure, chronic infectious disease, rheumatic disease, frequent UTIs, etc.) that would prevent participation in study activities, 8. Presence of severe joint contractures in the affected hand and arm that may interfere with study activities or outcome measures, 9. Severe spasticity, as defined by an Ashworth score of 4 in both sides of the upper limb 10. Pregnancy and breastfeeding (Childbearing potential will be asked at screening, baseline, and every subsequent visit in which the subject would receive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation whether they could be pregnant. Pregnancy will be ruled out by home over-the-counter urine pregnancy tests for all females of childbearing potential (1) at the time of enrollment and (2) at the beginning of intervention arms. Additional pregnancy tests may be performed if there is concern about pregnancy.) 11. Lack of ability to fully comprehend, cooperate, and/or safely perform study procedures in the investigator's opinion/judgment
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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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University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States
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