Autonomic Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Spinal Cord Injury

Technology
General health
Online since 12 September 2023, updated 9 days ago

About this trial

The goal of this interventional crossover study is to determine the effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) on the ability to perform moderate exercise and regulate core body temperat...

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
≥ 18 years
Injury level
C3 - T6
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • AIS-A
    AIS-B
    AIS-C
    Time since injury
    ≥ 1 year
    Healthy volunteers
    No
    C3-T6

    What’s involved

    Type

    Technology

    Details

    The purpose of the first part of this research study is to determine the effects of active transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) targeted for blood pressure (BP) control on exercise endurance time and heart rate (HR) recovery time during an arm cycle test. The results will help guide experimental studies aimed at improving exercise, rehabilitation, health, and longevity in the SCI population. If you choose to participate in part one of this study, you will be asked to visit the laboratory for 2 visits that take about 3-4 hours each. The purpose of part two of this study is to compare the effects of electricity being delivered through surface electrodes (sticky pads on your skin), called active transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS), compared to sham TSCS (sticky pads with electricity initially turned on but then turned off) on your ability to 1) keep your body temperature stable and 2) feel comfortable, while in a cool environment (cool room at 64° F) for 90 minutes. We will assess your thermal sensation by asking you if overall you feel cold, cool, neutral, warm, or hot and your comfort level by asking you to grade your thermal comfort (how comfortable or how uncomfortable you feel) when you are seated in a thermoneutral room (80° F) and again in the cool room with active TSCS compared to the cool room with sham TSCS. The results will help guide experimental studies aimed at improving health and longevity in the population with SCI. If you choose to participate in this study, there will be 2 study visits that last about 3-4 hours each.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    General health

    Additional benefits

    Arm/hand function

    Pain

    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
    • 30 Jul 2023
    • Organisation
    • James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting
    • Trial start date
    • 30 Jul 2023
    • Organisation
    • James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center

    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