Brain and Nerve Stimulation for Hand Muscles in Spinal Cord Injury and ALS

Technology
Arm/hand function
Online since 2 November 2021, updated 876 days ago

About this trial

This trial is recruiting individuals with chronic cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries to test the effect of non-invasive magnetic stimulation at the head combined with electrical stimulation at the wrist and neck. The magnetic and electrical stimulation will be precisely timed so that the pulses arrive at the target spinal motor neurons at the same time - this precise timing is responsible for what researchers call "spike timing-dependent plasticity.” The researchers want to see if the combination of stimulation strengthens the connection (plasticity) between the brain and hand movements. Participants will receive different combinations of both stimulation types in 8 sessions. This trial is designed to look only for temporary changes in function. If such changes are found, researchers plan future studies to focus on how to prolong any beneficial effect.

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
21 - 65 years
Injury level
C2 - C8
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • AIS-B
    AIS-C
    AIS-D
    Time since injury
    1 year - 65 years
  • Injury type
  • Traumatic

    Non-traumatic

    Healthy volunteers
    No
    C2-C8
    Additionally, participants must
    have some weakness in the fingers of one hand.
    NOT have other implanted electrical device, e.g. pacemaker

    What’s involved

    Type

    Technology

    Details

    A total of 8 sessions wearing the devices, with testing at 0, 15, 30, and 90 minutes after each session.

    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 Jun 2015
    • Organisation
    • Bronx VA Medical Center
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Ended
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Jun 2015
    • Organisation
    • Bronx VA Medical Center

    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