Comparison of the Effects of Robotic Rehabilitation, Functional Electrical Stimulation and Occupational Therapy on Upper Extremity and Hand Functions in Tetraplegic Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Technology
Arm/hand function
Online since 4 September 2025, updated 7 days ago

About this trial

This randomized interventional trial is enrolling 30 participants with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury to test the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES), robotic rehabilitation, and occupational therapy on arm and hand function. FES is a technique that applies electrical stimulation through the skin to nerves to cause contraction of weakened or paralyzed muscles. If included, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either: 1) FES; 2) robotic rehabilitation; or 3) occupational therapy, 3 times per week for 4 weeks, in addition to conventional rehabilitation. Final testing of arm and hand function will be performed after 4 weeks.

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
≥ 18 years
Injury level
C1 - T1
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • Time since injury
    All
    Healthy volunteers
    No
    C1-T1

    What’s involved

    Type

    Technology

    Details

    - Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 1) functional electrical stimulation (FES), 2) robotic rehabilitation, or 3) occupational therapy, 3 times per week for 4 weeks, in addition to conventional rehabilitation. - FES is a technique that applies electrical stimulation through the skin to nerves to cause contraction of weakened or paralyzed muscles. - Final testing of arm and hand function will be performed after 4 weeks.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    Arm/hand function

    Additional benefits

    General health

    Sensory function

    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
    • Recruiting soon
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Apr 2025
    • Organisation
    • Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting soon
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Apr 2025
    • Organisation
    • Ankara City Hospital Bilkent

    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