Stimulation to Enhance Walking Post-SCI

About this trial

This trial is enrolling individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries to study the effect of skin-surface electrical stimulation (transcutaneous direct current stimulation; tsDCS) on walking function. tsDCS is applied over the skin of the low back. Researchers want to see if the stimulation activates spinal cord nerves that have become dormant after injury. The stimulation is applied during locomotor training (repetitive, therapist-assisted, weight-supported walking on a treadmill). The immediate effects of stimulation will be analyzed after each of the first 2 sessions. Then, each participant will be randomly assigned to receive four training sessions per week for 4 weeks, with either a lower or higher dose of tsDCS. Participants will be unaware of the dosage level. The study will help to determine if stimulation intensity affects outcomes. Walking function will measured by standardized clinical tests for speed and endurance.