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.