Spinal Stimulation for Upper Extremity Recovery in the Home

Technology

Arm/hand function

Online since 11 April 2025, updated 40 days ago

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 46 participants with cervical spinal cord injury to test the effect of transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS) combined with a home-based exercise program on arm and hand function. tSS is a non-invasive technique that uses skin surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. If included, participants will be randomly assigned to either begin the intervention immediately or after a 12-week waiting period. They will complete 24 at-home exercise sessions focusing on hand and arm function combined with tSS over 8 weeks. Final testing of arm and hand function will be performed after 25 weeks.

Included participants

Gender

All

Age

≥ 18 years

Injury level

C1 - C8

Severity (AIS)?

AIS-B

AIS-C

AIS-D

Time since injury

≤ 1 year

Injury type

Traumatic

Healthy volunteers

C1-C8

Additionally, participants must

NOT have had a prior nerve or tendon transfer procedure for the upper extremities

NOT have an implanted pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, deep brain stimulator, or intrathecal pump

What’s involved

Type

Technology

Details

- Participants will participate in a home-based exercise program combined with transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS). - tSS is a non-invasive technique that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. - Participants will complete 1-hour sessions 3 times a week over 8 weeks: at home with the support of a caregiver or companion twice a week and with the research team via video conference once a week. - Final testing of arm and hand function will be performed after 25 weeks.

Potential benefits

Main benefits

Arm/hand function

Additional benefits

General health

Mental health and psychosocial factors

Pain

Sensory function

Standing/walking/mobility

Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.

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