Spinal reflex training to improve walking after incomplete spinal cord injury

Spinal Reflex Conditioning System for Enhancing Motor Function Recovery After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BIOCIRCUIT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · NIH-11143002

A wearable hardware/software system that helps people with incomplete spinal cord injuries retrain spinal reflexes to reduce spasticity and improve walking speed.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBIOCIRCUIT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11143002 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would use an easy-to-learn device and software guided by a therapist to change how your spinal reflexes are controlled by the brain. The therapy uses noninvasive sensors and operant conditioning exercises so you practice producing more helpful reflex responses. Over time this retraining can reduce spasticity, lessen limping, and increase walking speed that you notice in daily life. The project is turning a lab method into a clinic-ready system therapists can operate without extensive training.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with incomplete spinal cord injury who have abnormal gait or spasticity and who can attend therapy sessions and follow instructions.

Not a fit: People with complete spinal cord injuries, unstable medical conditions, or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit or qualify.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could reduce spasticity and improve walking ability and everyday function for people with incomplete spinal cord injury.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work by the sponsoring teams showed spinal reflex conditioning can reduce spasticity and improve walking in people with SCI, and this project aims to make that approach practical in clinics.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.