Hybrid functional electrical stimulation and augmented reality gait training for people with incomplete spinal cord injury
Official title: Effect of Hybrid Functional Electrical Stimulation and Augmented Reality-Based Gait Training on Gait Parameters Among Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · NCT07263581 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 10, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 10, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07263581 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Lahore University of Biological and Applied sciences
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
ZEPU-2000 robotic rehab for arm and leg weakness
This trial tests whether adding ZEPU-2000A, ZEPU-2000D, and ZEPU-2000E robotic rehabilitation to usual therapy helps adults with arm/leg movement problems from stroke, incomplete SCI, TBI, or related conditions.
-
Virtual reality gait exercises for lower limb lymphedema (LELO)
This trial will test whether adding VR-assisted gait training to standard Complex Decongestive Therapy helps adults with unilateral stage 2–3 lower limb lymphedema walk better, reduce swelling, and improve quality of life.
-
Wearable hip-robot training to improve walking after major lower-leg burns
This 12-week program will try using a wearable hip-assist robot during daily physiotherapy to help adults who still have walking problems six months after large lower-extremity burns walk better.
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.