Closed-loop spinal cord stimulation for improving walking in spinal cord injury patients

Efficacy of Closed-loop Functional Spinal Cord Stimulation on Walking Rehabilitation in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Phase 1 Interventional Tsinghua University · NCT04969042

This study is testing if a new type of spinal cord stimulation can help people with spinal cord injuries walk better during their rehab.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorTsinghua University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT04969042 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Closed-loop Functional Spinal Cord Stimulation in enhancing walking rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord injuries. The study spans approximately 12 months, including pre-implant evaluations, stimulator implantation, and rehabilitation training with stimulation. Participants will undergo a structured rehabilitation program aimed at improving their walking ability and speed. The trial involves a combination of medical interventions and physical therapy to optimize patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with spinal cord injuries classified as AIS A, B, C, or D and lesions at T10 or above.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, psychiatric disorders, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve walking capabilities in patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with spinal cord stimulation techniques, but this specific closed-loop approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18\~70
* Spinal cord injury staging(AIS) A,B,C or D
* Level of lesion is T10 and above
* Distance between lesion and conus \>60mm
* Injured Time \> 3 months
* Capable of participating rehabilitation program
* Agree to comply with all conditions of the study and to attend all required study training and visits

Exclusion Criteria:

* With Obvious psychiatric disorder that cannot complete relevant questionaires
* Cognitive impairment
* Severe autonomic reflex disorder
* Severe muscle atrophy and joint contracture
* Cannot participate in spinal cord stimulation surgery or follow-up visits
* Life expectancy less than 12 months
* Abnormal blood or other physiological examinations that cannot conduct surgery, such as blood coagulation disorder or kidney/liver abnormalities
* Uncontrollable hypertension, heart diseases, respiratory diseases or took related medicine in last 3 months
* Unsuitable candidates in PI's perspective

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Spinal Cord InjuriesSpinal Cord StimulationClosed-Loop
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.