Grasping Function After Spinal Cord Injury
About this trial
This trial is recruiting individuals with spinal cord injuries to study two rehabilitation approaches intended to improve hand function. One approach uses non-invasive magnetic stimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation; TMS) applied above the skull. The second approach uses an acoustic startle stimulus, measuring hand movement in response to a surprising and unexpected sound stimulus. The trial will study two basic grasping behaviors: a precision grip (grasping of the thumb to a fingertip) and a power grip (holding of an object using the palms of the hand). Both grips are necessary for eating, writing, dressing, and many other daily living functions. Researches want to know if the grip training is enhanced by TMS — that is, whether the stimulation encourages spinal cord circuit remodeling (plasticity). and whether that increases voluntary function of hand muscles. If selected for the trial, participants will receive motor training for hand and arm function, using different hand activities. TMS or acoustic stimuli will be applied during training; each participant will receive both interventions. The study design includes a control group of healthy volunteers in order to compare the stimulation effects in fully intact nervous systems.
Included participants
What’s involved
Type
Details
Rehabilitation sessions and follow-up periods of 60 minutes in order to investigate longer changes of the trainings and stimulations. Further information needs to be acquired directly from the investigator.
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
- Recruiting
- Trial start date
- 17 Mar 2020
- Organisation
- VA Office of Research and Development
- Trial recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Trial start date
- 17 Mar 2020
- Organisation
- VA Office of Research and Development
About this trial
Included participants
What’s involved
Potential benefits
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