The Impact of Electroacupuncture on Clinical Effect,Brain Structural and Functional Changes on Spinal Cord Injury

Technology

Standing/walking/mobility

Online since 31 May 2022, updated 1073 days ago

About this trial

This trial is enrolling individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries to test the effects of electroacupuncture (a form of acupuncture) on brain structure and functional recovery. Electroacupuncture passes a small electric current between pairs of acupuncture needles. Previous clinical studies of acupuncture have not looked at changes in the brain, which is closely related to the structure and function of spinal cord. The aim of this study is to aanyze changes in the brain, and to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of electroacupuncture. If included in the study, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups; 1) receiving routine rehabilitation training, or 2) receiving rehabilitation training combined with electroacupuncture for 3 months. Rehabilitation will include training for sitting, standing, muscle strength, functional movement, and transfer training. The electroacupuncture will be performed with the HANS100A device on major acupoints (Jiaji points).

Included participants

Gender

All

Age

18 - 55 years

Injury level

C1 - C8

Severity (AIS)?

AIS-B

AIS-C

AIS-D

Time since injury

14 days - 30 days

Injury type

Traumatic

Healthy volunteers

C1-C8

Additionally, participants must

be right-handed

have some but not full muscle strength of both lower limbs

be able to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

What’s involved

Type

Technology

Details

Rehabilitation training: Functional movement training and transfer training will be performed for 20min each time and once a day; Standing and walking training, 2 times a day, 30min each time. Electroacupuncture: Han's pain irritant instrument (HANS100A) for 30min with the stimulation frequency of 2 /100 Hz and intensity of 1-2mA. Once a day, 5 days a week and rest 2 days, a week is one course and the duration need 12 courses. Overall 3 months of intervention, and a follow-up assessment 3 months post-intervention Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before the study and after 3 months.

Potential benefits

Main benefits

Standing/walking/mobility

Additional benefits

Arm/hand function

Bladder health/function

Bowel health

General health

Mental health and psychosocial factors

Pain

Sensory function

Spasticity

Mechanism of action

Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.

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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.

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