Hybrid functional electrical stimulation and augmented reality gait training for people with incomplete spinal cord injury
Effect of Hybrid Functional Electrical Stimulation and Augmented Reality-Based Gait Training on Gait Parameters Among Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Patients
NA · Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · NCT07263581
This trial will test whether combining functional electrical stimulation with augmented reality–guided walking practice helps adults with incomplete spinal cord injury walk better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07263581 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center interventional study enrolls adults 18–45 with incomplete SCI (ASIA C or D) and injury levels between T10 and L2 to compare a hybrid intervention of functional electrical stimulation (FES) plus augmented reality (AR) gait training against conventional overground gait training. Participants receive supervised sessions where FES electrodes activate key lower-limb muscles while AR provides visual cues to guide step placement, cadence, and balance. Gait parameters such as step length, cadence, symmetry, walking speed, and functional mobility are measured before and after the intervention to determine changes. The trial aims to identify whether the combined modality produces greater improvements in walking function and independence than standard rehabilitation alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 18–45 with incomplete spinal cord injury (ASIA Impairment Scale C or D) at levels T10–L2 who are medically stable and able to walk with or without assistive devices.
Not a fit: People with severe lower-limb spasticity or contractures, active skin lesions, other major neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, recent lower-limb fractures or surgery, or severe cardiovascular disease are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined FES+AR approach could improve walking speed, step symmetry, balance, and everyday independence for adults with incomplete SCI.
How similar studies have performed: Functional electrical stimulation has established benefits for gait in SCI and early AR rehabilitation pilots are promising, but combining FES with AR is a relatively novel approach with limited published data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with incomplete spinal cord injury (ASIA Impairment Scale C or D) * Neurological level of injury between T10 and L2 * Aged 18 to 45 years * Medically stable with no acute complications * Able to walk with or without assistive devices * Cognitively intact * Capable of providing written informed consent * Stable physical and emotional health * No history of seizures * No major urinary or bowel dysfunction Exclusion Criteria: * Severe spasticity or contractures in the lower limbs * Significant pain or joint instability in the lower limbs * Presence of other neurological (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis) or musculoskeletal disorders * Open skin lesions or ulcerations * History of fractures or orthopedic surgery in the lower limbs * Severe cardiovascular conditions
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied sciences — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (RECRUITING)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, ASIA C and D Classification of SCI, Gait Dysfunction, Spinal Cord Injury, Functional Electrical Stimulation, Augmented Reality, Neurorehabilitation, Gait Training