Understanding Perinatal Spinal Cord Injury

Technology
General health
Online since 20 November 2025, updated 21 days ago

About this trial

This feasibility trial is enrolling 6 children with cervical spinal cord injury sustained in utero or at birth to test the effect of activity-based recovery training (ABRT) combined with transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS). ABRT uses task-specific training, including stepping, standing, and sitting activities. 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 receive 40 sessions of individualized ABRT with tSS. Final testing will be performed after 2 months.

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
3 - 8 years
Injury level
C1 - C8
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • Time since injury
    All
    Healthy volunteers
    No
    C1-C8
    Additionally, participants must
    NOT currently use a baclofen pump
    be diagnosed with a perinatal (injured in utero or at birth) spinal cord injury

    What’s involved

    Type

    Technology

    Details

    - Participants will receive 40 sessions of individualized activity-based recovery training (ABRT) combined with transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS), delivered 5 days per week over approximately 8 weeks. - These activities include sitting, standing, stepping, and upper extremity training. - tSS is a non-invasive technique that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. - Final testing will be performed after 2 months.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    General health

    Additional benefits

    Arm/hand function

    Bladder health/function

    Bowel health

    Spasticity

    Standing/walking/mobility

    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
    • By invitation
    • Trial start date
    • 9 Jan 2024
    • Organisation
    • University of Louisville
    • Trial recruitment status
    • By invitation
    • Trial start date
    • 9 Jan 2024
    • Organisation
    • University of Louisville

    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