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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 6, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06701422 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
- Study coordinator: Jason B Carmel, M.D., Ph.D.
- Email: jbc28@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 917-301-1882
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Improving hand function after spinal cord injury using electrical stimulation
This study is testing if a new way of using electrical stimulation on the brain and spinal cord can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries regain better control and movement in their arms and hands.
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This study will test whether a robotically implanted Neuralink N1 brain-computer interface can safely help people with high spinal cord injuries or ALS control computers and other external devices.
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Robotically implanted brain chip to help control external devices
This tests a wireless, rechargeable brain implant (Neuralink N1) and a robot surgical system (R1) to help people with severe arm and hand paralysis control external devices.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.