Could a simple ear device boost recovery after spinal cord injury?
NCT ID NCT07562113
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a small ear device that gently stimulates a nerve (taVNS) in people who recently had a spinal cord injury. The goal is to see if it is safe and comfortable, and whether adding it to walking therapy might help improve mobility. About 50 adults will take part in two phases: first a short test of the device alone, then using it before therapy sessions.
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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Phase 1/2
Runs two stages together: safety and dose first, then whether the treatment works.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Nov 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 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 89 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: * Phase 1 Age 18 years older SCI (traumatic or non traumatic) undergoing initial inpatient rehabilitation for the SCI Any AIS severity level (A, B, C, D) * Phase 2 Completed phase I Participant willing to complete phase II Study physician approves participation in phase II Receives intensive gait training as a part of the care plan Exclusion Criteria: * Phase 1 Age \>89 years Pregnant Implanted medical device (e.g. pacemaker, cochlear implant) epilepsy Parkinson's Disease Multiple Sclerosis cerebral shunts documented arrhythmia Ear skin irritation or damage at the electrode contact location intracranial metal implants * Phase 2 no exclusion criteria for those who meet inclusion criteria
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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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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Spinal zaps may calm muscle spasms after injury
- Virtual reality powered by muscle signals could transform stroke rehab
- Virtual walking lifts spirits for those who cannot walk
- Spinal stimulation + rehab aims to restore walking in spinal cord injury
- Robot suit helps stroke and spinal injury patients walk again – small study shows promise
- New app aims to ease mental strain for veterans with spinal injuries and their families