Non-invasive Cervical Electrical Stimulation for SCI

About this trial

This trial is recruiting individuals with chronic cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries to test the effect of cervical electrical stimulation (CES) on hand function. The stimulation is non-invasive — skin-surface electrodes are placed on the neck. The goal of the study is strengthen preserved nerve circuits to hand muscles, a top priority for individuals with cervical SCI. In this two-part study, CES will first be applied in combination with transcranial magnetic stimulation (non-invasive surface stimulation of the brain) and peripheral nerve stimulation (non-invasive electrical stimulation of nerves in the upper extremities). Information derived from these initial stimulations will determine the CES settings for each participant. Active rehabilitation of hands and wrists will also be included to enhance voluntary muscle activation. This study may lead to the clinical use of CES to improve the effects of physical exercise.