Targeted Plasticity Therapy for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Spinal Cord Injuries

About this trial

This is a clinical study enrolling individuals with chronic incomplete cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries to assess the safety and effect of an electrical stimulation device on arm and hand function. The technique, called targeted plasticity therapy (TPT), uses brief pulses of stimulation of the vagus nerve paired with specific rehabilitation exercises. Researchers want to see if this combination activates preserved spinal cord nerve networks (plasticity). If selected for the trial, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two study groups: 1) the experimental group (vagus nerve stimulation with upper extremity rehabilitation); or the control group (sham or placebo vagus nerve stimulation with upper extremity rehabilitation). Sham stimulation is an inactive intervention with no therapeutic effect. Participants are not aware if they are getting active stimulation or sham. Each group will receive rehabilitation and stimulation for 18 in-office sessions over the course of approximately 6 weeks. Changes in arm and hand function will be measured. All participants have the option to receive 18 more sessions of rehabilitation with active vagus nerve stimulation.