Investigation of Brain Functional MRI as an Early Biomarker of Recovery in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

About this trial

This is a trial to test the usability of a brain imaging technique (functional magnetic resonance imaging; fMRI) to detect brain activity changes during an intervention and to predict intervention-related recovery after chronic thoracic spinal cord injury. fMRI measures brain activity by detecting blood flow changes. If included in this trial, the participant will either undergo 1) an active cycling program with functional electrical stimulation (FES), a technique that applies electrical stimulation through the skin to nerves to cause contraction of weakened or paralyzed muscles, or 2) a passive cycling program without FES (control group will have an externally powered cycle). The sessions will include 3, 1 hour sessions per week, for 4 weeks. Neurological examinations (ISNCSCI exam) and fMRI scans will be done at weeks 0, 2, and 4.