Intensive upper limb training for recovery after cervical spinal cord injury
Central and Peripheral Neuroplasticity in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Following Intensive Upper Limb Motor Training
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hasselt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Antwerp and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06065384 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: Other studies have shown promising results with intensive motor training approaches for spinal cord injury recovery, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Antwerp and 3 other locations
- Revalidatieziekenhuis RevArte — Antwerp, Belgium (Recruiting)
- UZGent — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
- UZLeuven Campus Pellenberg — Leuven, Belgium (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Zorggroep Adelante — Hoensbroek, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Annemie Spooren, Prof. Dr. — Hasselt University
- Study coordinator: Annemie Spooren, Prof. Dr.
- Email: annemie.spooren@uhasselt.be
- Phone: 11269332
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.