Rebuilding Inter-limb Transfer in Cervical SCI

About this trial

This phase I trial is enrolling 17 participants with chronic cervical spinal cord injury to test the effect of paired corticospinal-motor neuronal stimulation (PCMS) combined with exercise on arm and hand function. PCMS involves the simultaneous or paired delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the brain and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) to the muscles. TMS is a non-invasive technique which uses a magnetic field to stimulate the brain. PNS is a non-invasive technique that uses electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves. Investigators want to see if motor skills acquired in one limb can transfer to the opposite, untrained limb. If included, participants will receive the following interventions in a random order: PCMS alone; PCMS combined with exercise on the opposite limb; and a sham stimulation combined with exercise on the opposite limb. Final testing of arm and hand function will be performed 4-6 hours after the session.