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Transspinal Stimulation + Locomotor Training for Spinal Cord Injury

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Maria Knikou, PT, PhD
Research Sponsored by City University of New York
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Male or female, age 18-70 years old
Bone mineral density of the hip (proximal femur) T-score <3.5 SD from age- and gender-matched normative data
Must not have
People with history of seizures
Medical conditions that increase the possibility of seizures
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 4 years
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial will test the effects of adding electrical stimulation to locomotor training to help improve walking ability in people with Spinal Cord Injury.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-70 with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) above the T10 level, who can sign consent and commit to the study duration. They must be in good health, have a bone mineral density T-score <3.5 SD from norms, reflexes present for soleus H-reflex testing, flexible ankle joints without contractures, first-time SCI due to trauma or similar causes, and at least 6 months post-SCI.
What is being tested?
The study tests if high-frequency noninvasive thoracolumbar spinal stimulation before locomotor training improves walking ability in people with incomplete SCI. Participants will receive either real or sham stimulation while lying down or standing before robotic gait training over 40 sessions.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include discomfort from electrical stimulation and fatigue from locomotor training. There's also a risk of seizures for those predisposed; however specific risks related to this intervention are not detailed.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am between 18 and 70 years old.
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My hip bone density is much lower than normal for my age and gender.
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My spinal injury is above the T10 level.
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I have a spinal cord injury that allows for some movement.
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My spinal injury is above the middle of my back.
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My ankles can move freely without stiffness.
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I have a spinal cord injury for the first time due to an accident, blood flow issue, or bone problem.
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My heart, lungs, and mind are in stable condition.
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I have a spinal cord injury for the first time due to an accident, blood flow issue, or bone problem.
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I have a spinal cord injury that allows me some movement.
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My ankles can move freely without stiffness.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have a history of seizures.
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I have a medical condition that could cause seizures.
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I have a serious spine or spinal cord condition.
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I have pressure sores.
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I have lesions above my spinal cord.
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I have severe nerve pain or numbness.
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My spinal cord injury is classified as complete or sensory incomplete.
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I have a severe urinary tract infection.
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I have a tumor or blood vessel disorder in my spine or spinal cord.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~4 years
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 4 years for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Plasticity of corticospinal networks
Plasticity of spinal neuronal networks
Secondary study objectives
Ambulatory function
Autonomic function
Balance

Trial Design

3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Real transspinal stimulation delivered while lying supine followed by locomotor trainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Transspinal tonic stimulation will be delivered at a frequency of 30 Hz while lying supine.
Group II: Real transspinal stimulation delivered during standing followed by locomotor trainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Transspinal tonic stimulation of the thoracolumbar region will be delivered at a frequency of 30 Hz during standing with as needed body weight support (BWS) in a standing frame or in the Lokomat to ensure safety.
Group III: Sham transspinal stimulation delivered during standing followed by locomotor trainingPlacebo Group1 Intervention
One sham group will be receiving transspinal stimulation during standing at an intensity where sensation is absent.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

City University of New YorkLead Sponsor
17 Previous Clinical Trials
5,731 Total Patients Enrolled
Bronx Veterans Medical Research Foundation, IncOTHER
9 Previous Clinical Trials
736 Total Patients Enrolled
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiOTHER
886 Previous Clinical Trials
534,998 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Robotic Gait Training Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT04807764 — N/A
Spinal Cord Injury Research Study Groups: Sham transspinal stimulation delivered during standing followed by locomotor training, Real transspinal stimulation delivered during standing followed by locomotor training, Real transspinal stimulation delivered while lying supine followed by locomotor training
Spinal Cord Injury Clinical Trial 2023: Robotic Gait Training Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT04807764 — N/A
Robotic Gait Training 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT04807764 — N/A
Spinal Cord Injury Patient Testimony for trial: Trial Name: NCT04807764 — N/A
~7 spots leftby Apr 2025