Combined Robotic Training and tDCS in Chronic SCI
About this trial
This trial is recruiting individuals with chronic, incomplete spinal cord injuries to test the effect on arm and hand function of combining non-invasive brain stimulation (transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; tDCS) with use of a robotic device. Researchers want to see if supplementary tDCS will cause changes to the brain area that controls the arm, and thus will add to any functional improvement derived from robot-training. Two groups of participants will receive training of the affected hand with a robotic device. One group will have tDCS applied to the brain before the training starts. The other group will receive a sham (inactive) stimulation before training. Participants will not know whether they receive tDCS or sham stimulation. Each participant will then receive robotic training 3 times per week over 6 weeks for a total of 18 sessions. Measurements of hand and arm function will occur before and after the training phase, and at a 1-month follow-up. A key measurement will include a timed functional test to determine gross manual dexterity.
Included participants
Traumatic
Non-traumatic
What’s involved
Type
Details
No surgery is needed. 6-week (3 sessions/week, 18 sessions total) hand robotic training with each session preceded by 20 min anodal 2mA tDCS or sham. A follow-up assessment will be performed 1 month after the end of the training session.
Potential benefits
Main benefits
Arm/hand function
Additional benefits
General health
Spasticity
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
- Active
- Trial start date
- 1 May 2017
- Organisation
- Burke Medical Research Institute
- Trial recruitment status
- Active
- Trial start date
- 1 May 2017
- Organisation
- Burke Medical Research Institute
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