Enhancing Corticospinal Excitability to Improve Functional Recovery

About this trial

This trial is enrolling individuals with cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries to test different types of non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the scalp. Researchers theorize that increasing brain activity using tDCS stimulation might improve brain response (excitability) and thus improve hand function. Four different stimulation approaches and one sham (inactive) control stimulation will be used to find the optimal stimulation method. Participants will do five 30-minute sessions over 5 weeks with each type of stimulation. Participants will also complete a questionnaire to evaluate their perceptions of the stimulation effects. Before and after each stimulation session, changes in muscle control and strength in the hands will be measured, as well as any changes in physiological measures of brain activity or excitability.