Intensive upper limb training for recovery after cervical spinal cord injury
Official title: Central and Peripheral Neuroplasticity in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Following Intensive Upper Limb Motor Training
Run by Hasselt University · NCT06065384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if an 8-week program of intensive arm training can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries recover better and improve their movement.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hasselt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Antwerp and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 9, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 28, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06065384 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged over 16 with traumatic or non-traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries that occurred within the last 13 weeks and have incomplete injuries categorized as AIS C or D.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with complete spinal cord injuries (AIS A without zones of partial preservation) or those with significant medical conditions preventing participation 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
This project investigates the effects of early and intensive upper extremity motor training on neural plasticity and motor recovery in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries. Participants will undergo an 8-week program of intensive training, aimed at enhancing recovery below the level of injury, while also receiving usual care. The study will assess both central and peripheral neural plasticity, as well as clinical motor recovery outcomes. It is designed as an international multi-center randomized controlled trial involving 44 participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve arm and hand function, enhancing independence and quality of life for individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with intensive motor training approaches for spinal cord injury recovery, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Traumatic or non-traumatic C-SCI in the preceding 13 weeks; age over 16 years; have an incomplete SCI categorized as AIS C or D or an AIS A SCI with zones of partial motor paralysis (as defined by the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCI) and medically stable. Exclusion Criteria: * SCI with ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A without zones of partial preservation (decided based on former studies) and expertise of the team; SCI with any significant medical condition that could prevent the person from participating. Patients will be excluded from the measures of central plasticity in the presence of contraindications for TMS application such as epilepsy, metal implants in the brain, defibrillator, pacemaker, and pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Revalidatieziekenhuis RevArte
Antwerp, Belgium Recruiting -
UZGent
Ghent, Belgium Recruiting -
Zorggroep Adelante
Hoensbroek, Netherlands Recruiting -
UZLeuven Campus Pellenberg
Leuven, Belgium Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Annemie Spooren, Prof. Dr. — Hasselt University
- Study coordinator: Annemie Spooren, Prof. Dr.
- Email: annemie.spooren@uhasselt.be
- Phone: 11269332
Similar studies
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NG004 for incomplete cervical spinal cord injury
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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.