Non-invasive therapies to improve arm and hand function in spinal cord injury

Comparative Evaluation of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation Therapies to Restore Upper Extremity Function in Chronic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional University of Alberta · NCT06903416

This study is testing two new therapies to see if they can help people with spinal cord injuries improve their arm and hand function.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edmonton, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT06903416 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates two non-invasive therapies aimed at restoring arm and hand function in individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injury. Participants will undergo a crossover design, receiving transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation and paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation, each combined with rehabilitation, for two months with a one-month washout period in between. The study will assess safety, effectiveness, and patient-reported outcomes related to daily living and quality of life, alongside neurophysiological changes. The goal is to tailor treatments to individual needs, enhancing personalized care and outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries who are more than nine months post-injury and have stable doses of anti-spasmodics.

Not a fit: Patients with injuries to the nervous system other than the spinal cord or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve upper extremity function and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar non-invasive neuromodulation approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cervical (C2-C8) level SCI
* \> 9 months post-injury
* Traumatic SCI
* AIS A-D
* Stable dose of anti-spasmodics

Exclusion Criteria:

* individuals with injury to the nervous system other than to the spinal cord
* pregnant

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Spinal Cord Injury Cervical
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.