Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation: Safety and Feasibility for Upper Limb Function in Children With Spinal Cord Injury

About this trial

This trial is recruiting children with cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries to test the safety, comfort, and practicality of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to activate arms and hands. SCS is a technique that may activate spinal cord nerve networks. This study will use non-invasive skin-surface electrodes. In adults with chronic SCI, this form of stimulation has been shown to assist with trunk control immediately after treatment, and to improve arm and hand function when combined with specific types of exercise training. If selected for the trial, participants will receive intermittent cervical SCS sessions for no more than 10 minutes at a time. Participants will receive SCS while upper extremity function is assessed at three time points, and/or SCS will be given in combination with activity-based upper extremity training (40 sessions, 1.5 hours/day, 5 days/week). Outcomes for grasping, pinching, and reaching movements will be measured. The long-term goal is to provide better therapies so children with SCI can successfully play and accomplish everyday tasks using their arms and hands.