Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Combined With Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation: Effect on Imaging and Serum Biomarkers of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Bone Strength.

Rehabilitation
Standing/walking/mobility
Online since 21 April 2026, updated today

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 24 participants with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injury to test the combination of exoskeleton-assisted walking (EAW) and transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS) on lower extremity function. An exoskeleton is an externally worn powered robotic device to assist movement. tSS is a non-invasive technique that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. If included, participants will be randomly assigned to receive EAW with either active or sham tSS, performed 3 times per week for 36 weeks. Final testing of muscle function will be performed after 9 months.

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
21 - 60 years
Injury level
C5 - T10
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • AIS-C
    AIS-D
    Time since injury
    ≥ 3 years
    Healthy volunteers
    No
    C5-T10
    Additionally, participants must
    NOT have a baclofen pump or metal in the body (e.g. pacemaker, internal hearing aids, etc.)

    What’s involved

    Type

    Rehabilitation

    Details

    - Participants will be randomly assigned to receive exoskeleton-assisted walking (EAW) training combined with either active or sham transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS), performed 3 times per week for 36 weeks. - An exoskeleton is an externally worn powered robotic device to assist movement. - tSS is a non-invasive technique that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. - Final testing of muscle function will be performed after 9 months.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    Standing/walking/mobility

    Additional benefits

    Bone health

    General health

    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 Jul 2026
    • Organisation
    • VA Office of Research and Development
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting soon
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Jul 2026
    • Organisation
    • VA Office of Research and Development

    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