💬In plain words
What the trial is, and whether it could suit you
Spinal cord injury leads to long-lasting impairment, and currently, there is no cure for paralysis. Although transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation has shown promising results in recovering lost movements, its poor selectivity in muscle recruitment compared to invasive approaches limits the type of rehabilitation exercises that can be practiced. This project studies how spatial, frequency, and amplitude control of stimulation can be used to selectively target different neural pathways and muscle groups.
Sign in to get the eligibility rules as simple questions to take to your doctor.
📋 Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Age between 16 and 65 years.
2. Have a spinal cord injury (neurological level C3-T12) that occurred ≥1 year (chronic stage) prior to enrollment.
3. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) classification C or D
4. Able to voluntarily contract (motor score ≥ 1) at least two leg muscles (visual or palpable contraction).
5. Use of prescription medication(s) for control of spasticity has not changed in the last 2 weeks
6. Able to provide consent
7. Ability to follow multiple instructions and communicate pain or discomfort
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Progressive spinal lesions, including degenerative disorders of the spinal cord
2. Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding
3. History of cardiopulmonary disease or cardiac symptoms
4. Implanted stimulators of any type (baclofen pump, epidural spinal stimulator, cardiac defibrillator, pace-maker, etc.)
5. Presence of orthopedic conditions that would negatively affect participation in leg exercise
6. History of autonomic dysreflexia that is severe, unstable, and/or uncontrolled
7. Unstable or significant medical conditions that can interfere with exercise or neurophysiological evaluations, such as severe neuropathic pain, depression, mood disorders, or other cognitive disorders
8. Spasms that limit the ability to participate in leg exercise activity
9. Breakdown in skin area that will be in contact with electrodes
💊
What it tests
- No Stimulation
- Conventional tSCS
- Spatiotemporal tSCS
Washington University, St. Louis
St Louis, United States
🤝 Taking part is your choice, and you can leave at any time. Only the trial team can confirm you are eligible — always decide together with your own doctor.
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