Improving Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Interventions by Retraining the Brain With Stimulation
About this trial
This study is recruiting individuals with incomplete cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries to determine whether non-invasive, skin-surface electrical stimulation of the brain improves conventional rehabilitation therapy. The stimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation - tDCS) is delivered over the scalp with a low intensity current; the technique is well-established and considered to be reasonably safe. Researchers want to see if tDCS stimulation, delivered along with rehabilitation, strengthens nerve pathways (plasticty) that may in turn improve function. Participants will receive upper extremity exercises for two hours per day, five times a week for two weeks. The study design requires a placebo control group, so half of the participants will do the same exercises without the tDCS. Due to the low intensity of tDCS, participants will not be able to tell whether they are receiving active or placebo tDCS.
Included participants
Traumatic
Non-traumatic
What’s involved
Type
Details
A control phase two weeks prior to the study. No surgery needed. tDCS or sham tDCS, during rehabilitation exercises of the weak upper limbs for 2 hours per day, 5 times a week, for 2 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Follow-up measures up to 3 months.
Potential benefits
Main benefits
Arm/hand function
Additional benefits
General health
Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.
Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder
Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn more- Trial recruitment status
- Ended
- Trial start date
- 1 Nov 2011
- Organisation
- The Cleveland Clinic
- Trial recruitment status
- Ended
- Trial start date
- 1 Nov 2011
- Organisation
- The Cleveland Clinic
About this trial
Included participants
What’s involved
Potential benefits
Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder
Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn more