Conditioning Neural Circuits to Improve Upper Extremity Function

About this trial

This is a rehabilitation trial enrolling individuals with cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries to test two methods of non-invasive stimulation of the brain and nerves to improve hand/arm function. The first method, transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), delivers low level electrical current on the scalp over the part of the brain that controls hand/arm movements. The second method, Peripheral Nerve Somatosensory Stimulation (PNSS), delivers skin surface electrical current to a nerve in the arm that in turn stimulates the part of the brain that controls hand/arm movements. Participants will receive one of three stimulations: real or false tDCS, or PNSS. They will not know if they are receiving real or false tDCS. Stimulation will be provided in combination with hand and arm training exercises for approximately 1 hour, 3 times per week, for 4 weeks.