Non-Invasive Neuromodulation for Upper Extremity Function in Spinal Cord Injury: A Crossover Trial

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 10 participants with chronic cervical spinal cord injury to test the effect of transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS) and corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation, both combined with functional task training, 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. Corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation is a technique that pairs brain and peripheral nerve stimulation in a precisely timed way. If included, participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two interventions for two months. After a one month washout out period (no intervention), the participant will receive the other intervention for two months. Each session includes stimulation paired with 60 minutes of functional task practice. Final testing of arm and hand function will be performed after 8 months.