Motor & Autonomic Concomitant Health Improvements With Neuromodulation & Exercise Training: An SCI RCT
About this trial
This is a clinical trial recruiting individuals with spinal cord injuries to measure the effect of training in a robotic exoskeleton with and without electrical spinal cord stimulation on voluntary motor function. An exoskeleton is an externally worn powered robotic device to assist movement; this study uses a Lokomat model. Spinal cord stimulation is a technique for activating spinal cord nerve networks, in this case by way of skin-surface electrodes, applied at the lower back. If selected, participants will receive activity-based therapy three sessions/week for 12 weeks; this includes balance and gait training with complete assistance of the exoskeleton. All participants will use the exoskeleton, and will be assigned to one of two study groups: 1) performing the activity-based therapy with spinal cord stimulation; or performing the activity-based therapy with sham (inactive) spinal cord stimulation (participant will not know if the stimulation is on or not). Researchers will assess voluntary muscle contractions, balance, blood pressure, cardiovascular effects, bowel, bladder and sexual function, fatigue, and quality of life effects. Final testing will be performed after 14 weeks.
Included participants
Traumatic
What’s involved
Type
Details
Three 50-minute therapy sessions per week, for 12 weeks Therapy sessions include balance and gait training while wearing a robotic exoskeleton AND surface electrodes on the lower back Testing before and after the 12 weeks of therapy
Potential benefits
Main benefits
Standing/walking/mobility
Additional benefits
Bladder health/function
Bowel health
General health
Mental health and psychosocial factors
Sexual health
Spasticity
Mechanism of action
Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.
Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder
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.
Learn more- Trial recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Trial start date
- 22 Jul 2022
- Organisation
- University of British Columbia
- Trial recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Trial start date
- 22 Jul 2022
- Organisation
- University of British Columbia
About this trial
Included participants
What’s involved
Potential benefits
Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder
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.
Learn more