Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Cervical spinal cord stimulation for improving arm and hand function

Official title: Targeting Cervical Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation for Functional Recovery

Run by Columbia University · NCT06701422 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing different ways of using spinal cord stimulation to see if it can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries improve their arm and hand function.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment36 (estimated)
SponsorColumbia University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 6, 2024
Main results expectedJune 30, 2026
Study endsJune 30, 2026
Registry record updatedNovember 24, 2025
Trial IDNCT06701422 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries who require cervical spine surgery.

Probably not a fit

Patients with existing stimulation devices in the neck or chest may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the optimal cervical spinal cord stimulation techniques to enhance arm and hand muscle activation in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury. Through short-term physiological experiments, researchers will identify which cervical levels should be targeted for effective stimulation. The findings will inform a preclinical efficacy trial to assess the best approaches for restoring upper-limb function in patients with spinal cord injuries. The study combines human and animal experiments to advance the understanding of epidural electrical stimulation applications.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for restoring arm and hand function in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on spinal cord stimulation, this specific approach targeting cervical levels for upper-limb recovery is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

•Clinical indication for cervical spine surgery.

Exclusion criteria:

•Stimulation devices in the neck or chest (e.g., vagal nerve stimulation, cardiac patients with pacemakers)

Where it's running

  • Columbia University Irving Medical Center
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • The Daniel and Jane Och Spine Hospital at NewYork-Presbyterian/Allen
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.