Improving arm and hand recovery after spinal cord injury using therapy and stimulation
Official title: Feasibility and Efficacy of Activity-Based Therapy and Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation for Neurorestoration of Upper Limbs After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT06472986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 7, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 9, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06472986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other upper extremity deficits or severe spasticity limiting motion may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Assessment of a neuroprosthesis device for hand function in spinal cord injury patients
This study is testing a new device that helps people with cervical spinal cord injuries regain hand movement to see if it can improve their ability to grasp and release objects.
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Restoring hand and wrist function in people with tetraplegia using a neural device
This study is testing a new device to see if it can help people with tetraplegia regain movement and feeling in their hands and wrists.
-
Neuroprosthetic system to restore motor function in spinal cord injury
This study is testing a new implanted device to see if it can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries regain hand function and improve their ability to move and be independent.
-
Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation with 4-aminopyridine and intensive rehab for chronic spinal cord injury
This pilot study tests whether combining noninvasive spinal stimulation, dalfampridine, and rigorous rehab is safe and feasible for adults with chronic spinal cord injury and whether it can help improve movement and walking.
-
Electrical stimulation for arm function after cervical spinal cord injury in veterans
In veterans with a recent cervical spinal cord injury, researchers are testing whether transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) can improve arm and hand function more than the standard functional electrical stimulation (FES) during inpatient rehab.
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NG004 for incomplete cervical spinal cord injury
This trial tests NG004 versus placebo to see if it is safe and helps motor function and daily life in adults with acute incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.
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.