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.
Included participants
Traumatic
Non-traumatic
What’s involved
Type
Details
The participant will undergo 4 stimulation sessions (approximately 30 minutes of combined brain and spinal cord stimulation each session). The first session will assess the tolerability of tsDCS and optimal placement of the TMS stimulation site for each participant.
Potential benefits
Main benefits
Arm/hand function
Additional benefits
General health
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
- 4 Jan 2021
- Organisation
- Bronx VA Medical Center
- Trial recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Trial start date
- 4 Jan 2021
- Organisation
- Bronx VA Medical Center
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