Spinal zaps may help amputees feel missing limbs again
NCT ID NCT02684201
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether gentle electrical stimulation of the spinal cord could help people with arm amputations feel sensations in their missing limb and reduce phantom limb pain. Four participants had temporary electrodes placed near the spinal cord for up to 29 days. Researchers measured the minimum stimulation needed to create sensations and tracked changes in pain and feeling over time.
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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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4 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2015
- Finished
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Aug 2024
- 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.
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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: * have an upper-limb amputation * must be between the ages of 18 and 70 * be at least one year post-amputation * be willing to travel to the University of Pittsburgh at least twice per week for 29 days Exclusion Criteria: * women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the study * all participants cannot have any serious diseases or disorders that affect your ability to participate in this study * must not be currently taking any medications that thin your blood
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States