Conditioning Neural Circuits to Improve Upper Extremity Function

Technology

Arm/hand function

Online since 2 November 2021, updated 493 days ago

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.

Included participants

Gender

All

Age

18 - 65 years

Injury level

C1 - C8

Severity (AIS)?

AIS-A

AIS-B

AIS-C

AIS-D

Time since injury

≤ 65 years

Injury type

Traumatic

Healthy volunteers

C1-C8

Additionally, participants must

must have some trouble moving at least one of your arms/hands.

must be able to pick up an object with at least one hand without any type of help.

be able to lift one arm up to chest level.

What’s involved

Type

Technology

Details

Initial testing visit that will last 3 hours. One of the three stimulations: 1) active tDCS, 2) inactive tDCS, or 3) PNSS, each combined with training of the hand/arm for approximately 1 hour, 3 times per week, for 4 weeks. After these 4 weeks, the participant will attend another testing visit that will last 3 hours. The final visit will be 4-6 weeks after the training sessions. Note: A detailed explanation of the full extent of what is required can only be obtained directly from the Investigator.

Potential benefits

Main benefits

Arm/hand function

Additional benefits

General health

Mental health

Standing/walking/mobility

Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.

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