Near-infrared imaging to see how motor imagery affects recovery after spinal cord injury

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with spinal cord injury (C5–T12, ASIA A–C) who are within 12 months of injury will be randomly assigned to receive MI-BCI training using an EEG-based device or a control/sham condition. Before and after the intervention, researchers will measure motor function and record cortical oxygenation with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) alongside EEG to track neural activity. The study compares changes between groups to determine whether MI-BCI leads to clinically meaningful motor improvements and altered cortical responses during rest and task performance. The protocol is conducted at a single rehabilitation center with standardized training sessions and outcome testing.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The vital signs are stable and the spine is stable, making the subject suitable for exercise testing.
2. Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) who meet the international diagnostic criteria for SCI neurology revised by the American SCI Society in 2019 and have been diagnosed by CT or MRI.
3. The injury level of SCI is C5-T12, and the ASIA grade is A-C.
4. The course of the disease is ≤12 months (but the spinal shock period must have passed).
5. Age: 18-75 years old, regardless of gender.
6. Good cognitive function, able to understand and actively participate in the training program, and willing to sign the informed consent form for this clinical study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Those with tumors, tuberculosis, hematologic diseases, or dysfunction of important organs such as the heart and liver;
2. Those with unstable fractures;
3. Those with severe abnormal limb muscle tone and joint contracture deformities;
4. Those with severe pain that cannot tolerate activities;
5. Those with severe emotional problems who cannot cooperate to complete the study.

Where it's running

• Rehabilitation Center of Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University
  Shenyang, Liaoning, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Xue Jiang
• Email: jiangxueruby@163.com
• Phone: +8618940254064

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.