Near-Infrared Imaging of Motor Imagery Effects in Spinal Cord Injury

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

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 36 participants with early (less than 12 months) spinal cord injury to test the effect of motor imagery–based brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) training on lower-limb motor function. Motor imagery (MI) refers to the conscious mental simulation of specific body movements without actual physical execution. BCI is a technique using a computer and connected electrodes on the scalp to record and decode brain activity, which enables control of external digital devices. If included, participants will be randomly assigned to undergo MI-BCI training using a cycling device and motor imagery, or cycling training with the motor imagery screen turned off. Final testing will be performed after 4 weeks.

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
18 - 75 years
Injury level
C5 - T12
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • AIS-A
    AIS-B
    AIS-C
    Time since injury
    ≤ 12 months
    Healthy volunteers
    No
    C5-T12

    What’s involved

    Type

    Technology

    Details

    - Participants will be randomly assigned to undergo motor imagery–based brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) training or leg cycling training with the same device (while the screen is turned off) for 20 minutes per session for 20 sessions (5 days per week, over 4 weeks). - MI-BCI is a technique using a computer and connected electrodes on the scalp to record brain activity during imagined movements, and also to control an external device. - Final testing will be performed after 4 weeks.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    General health

    Additional benefits

    Arm/hand function

    Sensory function

    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
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Jan 2025
    • Organisation
    • Shengjing Hospital
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Jan 2025
    • Organisation
    • Shengjing Hospital

    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