Noninvasive Spinal Cord Stimulation for Recovery of Autonomic Function After Spinal Cord Injury

About this trial

This trial is enrolling individuals with chronic motor complete spinal cord injuries to test the effect of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TCSCS) on autonomic function ( e.g. blood pressure, bowel and bladder) and quality of life. Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation is a technique for stimulating the spinal cord via skin-surface stimulation to modify spinal cord function. If included, participants will undergo baseline assessments, including testing different settings of the spinal cord stimulator at spinal cord segments known to be involved in blood pressure, lower urinary tract and bowel control to see what is most effective. Then, participants will receive 8 weeks of spinal stimulation (3 times/week) at either: 1) mid back (thoracic); or 2) lower back (lumbosacral). Following long-term spinal stimulation, participants will undergo functional assessments during 5 visits over a period of 4 weeks. Final testing will be performed 8 weeks after completion of the spinal stimulation sessions.