Improving Balance After Spinal Cord Injury Using a Robotic Upright Stand Trainer and Spinal Cord Epidural Stimulation

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 20 participants with chronic spinal cord injury who have an implanted spinal cord stimulation (SCS) unit to test the effect of a robotic trainer, the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (TPAD), in combination with SCS on balance. TPAD is a lightweight, cable-driven robotic stand trainer that assists movement with corrective forces and applies controlled perturbations to the trunk and pelvis during standing. SCS is a technique for stimulating the spinal cord with an implanted electrode placed next to the spinal cord to modify spinal cord function. If included, participants will undergo assessments with and without SCS. Additionally, they will either receive TPAD training over 4 months, or only undergo assessments over 3 weeks. Final testing of balance and muscle function will be performed after 4 months.