Effect of electrical stimulation on muscles in people with spinal cord injury

Effect of Electrostimulation on Denervated Muscles in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

NA · Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil · NCT02265042

This study tests if daily electrical stimulation can help increase muscle size and improve sitting comfort for people with spinal cord injuries.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorSwiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil (network)
Locations1 site (Nottwil, LU)
Trial IDNCT02265042 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of electrical stimulation on the denervated gluteus muscle in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury. Participants will receive daily stimulation for 35 minutes over six months, with assessments of muscle volume and pressure distribution conducted at baseline, three months, and six months. The goal is to determine if this intervention can enhance muscle volume and improve pressure distribution while sitting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic spinal cord injury, specifically those with lesions between T10 and L5 and classified as ASIA Impairment Scale A.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pressure sores, arteriosclerosis, or recent surgeries in the stimulated area may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved muscle function and comfort for patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach may be novel, similar studies on electrical stimulation for muscle recovery in spinal cord injury have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* chronic spinal cord injury (min. 2 years after injury)
* lesion height from T10-L5
* ASIA (American Spinal Cord Injury Association) Impairment Scale A

Exclusion Criteria:

* acute pressure sore in stimulated area (M. gluteus)
* arteriosclerosis
* skin irritation or infection in stimulated area (M. gluteus)
* \< 3 months after plastic surgery in stimulated area (M. gluteus)

Where this trial is running

Nottwil, LU

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Spinal Cord Injury

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.