Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Glucose Control in Spinal Cord Injury

Technology
General health
Online since 2 December 2025, updated today

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 20 participants with chronic spinal cord injury to test the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on glucose (blood sugar) control. Non-injured control participants will also be enrolled. NMES is a technique that applies electrical stimulation through the skin to nerves to cause contraction of weakened or paralyzed muscles. If included, participants will complete two 3-hour glucose tests, one with NMES and one with sham stimulation, in random order. Following this, participants will complete a 2-week period of at-home NMES. Final testing of glucose control will be performed after 2 weeks.

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
≥ 18 years
Injury level
C5 - L2
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • AIS-A
    AIS-B
    AIS-C
    Time since injury
    ≥ 12 months
    Healthy volunteers
    Yes
    C5-L2
    Additionally, participants must
    not have Type 2 diabetes or be taking blood glucose medication

    What’s involved

    Type

    Technology

    Details

    - Participants will complete two 3-hour glucose tests, one with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and one with sham stimulation, in random order. - NMES is a technique that applies electrical stimulation through the skin to nerves to cause contraction of weakened or paralyzed muscles. - Following this, participants with SCI will complete a 2-week period of at-home NMES. - Final testing of glucose control will be performed after 2 weeks.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    General health

    Additional benefits

    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
    • Trial start date
    • 8 Aug 2025
    • Organisation
    • University of Bath
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting
    • Trial start date
    • 8 Aug 2025
    • Organisation
    • University of Bath

    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