Brain Plus Spinal Stimulation for Cervical SCI

About this trial

This is a study recruiting individuals with chronic incomplete cervical (neck area) spinal cord injuries to test the effects on arm and hand function of skin-surface electrical stimulation of the spinal cord combined with brain stimulation. Researchers want to see if residual spinal cord connections after partial injury are strengthened by combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS). Electrodes will be placed on the scalp for TMS stimulation and in three locations over the spinal cord in the neck region for tsDCS stimulation. Four stimulation sessions are planned; the first will determine the optimal stimulation settings for each participant; arm and hand function will also be tested, including the contraction forces of the fingers, wrist, and elbow. Each of the next three sessions will test safety and tolerability of tsDCS stimulation, using different electrode configurations and intensities. Researchers will also measure spinal cord response to TMS and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) of a target muscle, as well as performance of a motor task.