Electrical Stimulation for Spasticity in Spinal Cord Injury

About this trial

This trial is enrolling individuals with spinal cord injuries to test the effect of an electrical stimulation technique on voluntary and involuntary contractions of leg muscles. Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) is a technique using electric current applied to electrodes on the surface of the skin to stimulate nerves for therapeutic purposes; TENS has been used to control pain in spinal cord injury. This study will investigate its effects on muscle activation patterns as well as on spasticity. If included, participants will be randomly placed in one of two study groups either: a) receiving TENS for the first two months; or b) no intervention for two months followed by a two-month period with TENS. Final testing will be performed after 4 months.