Improving arm and hand recovery after spinal cord injury using therapy and stimulation
Feasibility and Efficacy of Activity-Based Therapy and Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation for Neurorestoration of Upper Limbs After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
This study is testing if combining special therapy with spinal cord stimulation can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries recover better use of their arms and hands.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06472986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The ABT-TCSCS study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of combining activity-based therapy with transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation to enhance recovery of arm and hand function in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries. This one-arm interventional study will involve up to 24 participants who will undergo a structured rehabilitation program consisting of 12 sessions of activity-based therapy followed by 28 sessions of combined therapy and stimulation. Assessments will be conducted at various stages to monitor neurological stability and functional improvements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with chronic cervical spinal cord injuries who are neurologically stable and have specific motor function scores.
Not a fit: Patients with other upper extremity deficits or severe spasticity limiting motion may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve upper limb function and quality of life for patients with cervical spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of activity-based therapy and spinal cord stimulation is promising, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals with chronic traumatic and non-traumatic cervical SCI (ASIA classification A-incomplete\*\*, B, C, D) between C1-C8 * Adults more than 18 years old * At least 6 months post-spinal cord injury * A score of 2 - 15 on the upper extremity motor score of the ISNCSCI * A score between 5 - 40 on GRASSP Version 1 Strength on at least one side * Individuals who are medically stable Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with any other upper extremity deficit * Unable to provide informed consent * Unable to participate in an intensive rehabilitation outpatient program * Spasticity that limits the range of motion greater than 50% for the elbow or wrist
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sukhvinder Kalsi-Ryan — Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
- Study coordinator: Urvashy Gopaul, PhD
- Email: urvashy.gopaul@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-597-3422
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.