Noninvasive spinal cord stimulation for 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

This clinical trial investigates the safety and efficacy of non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) to improve bladder, bowel, sexual, and cardiovascular functions in individuals with subacute spinal cord injuries (3-6 months post-injury). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either therapeutic TSCS or sham stimulation alongside conventional rehabilitation. The study aims to assess both immediate and long-term effects of TSCS on lower urinary tract function and overall quality of life. Conducted at two sites in Canada and Ukraine, the trial will enroll up to 60 subjects.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* A participant must meet all of the following criteria in order to be eligible to participate:

  1. Be a resident of either British Columbia (for Vancouver Site) with an active provincial medical service plan or Ukraine (for Ukraine Site) Age between 19 and 65 years at the time of consent
  2. Subacute (time since injury 3-6 months) or chronic (time since injury 12+ months) SCI
  3. ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A or B at spinal segments C5-T10
  4. Documented impaired LUT function
  5. Women of childbearing potential must not be intending to become pregnant, currently pregnant, or lactating. The following conditions apply:

     i. Women of childbearing potential must have a confirmed negative pregnancy test prior to the baseline visit.

     ii. Women of childbearing potential must agree to use adequate contraception during the period of the trial and for at least 28 days after completion of treatment. Effective contraception includes abstinence.
  6. Sexually active males with female partners of childbearing potential must agree to use effective contraception during the period of the trial and for at least 28 days after completion of treatment.
  7. Must provide informed consent.
  8. Agrees to comply with all planned visits and assessments, adhere with established bowel and LUT routines and refrain from initiation of new medications for bowel and LUT management without notifying the Principal Investigator of this study.

     Exclusion Criteria:
* A participant who meets any of the following criteria will be ineligible to participate:

  1. Clinically significant depression with thoughts of suicidal ideation (PHQ-9 total score above 20) or debilitating PTSD (PCL-5 total score above) or as judged by the investigator.
  2. History of bladder augmentation or continent or incontinent urinary stoma or prior bladder surgery.
  3. Exhibits signs of lower motor neuron injury (i.e., concomitant conus medullaris/cauda equina injury).
  4. History of intradetrusor or intrasphincter onabotulinumtoxinA injections within 9 months of baseline visit.
  5. Concurrent use of any medication or treatment that in the opinion of the investigator interferes with study outcomes.
  6. Presence of cognitive impairments, social/psychological problems, or other comorbid conditions that, in the opinion of the Investigator, will preclude them from participation and completion of the study
  7. Presence of severe acute medical issues that interfere with testing (e.g., stage 3/4 pressure ulcers, uncontrolled diabetes).
  8. Contraindications for TSCS, such as:

     8.1. Implanted Cardiac pacemaker 8.2 Implanted metal in the trunk or spinal cord 8.3 Intrathecal delivery system (e.g., baclofen pump) 8.4 Implanted central or peripheral neuromodulator
  9. Medical condition that may put the participant at risk as determined by the investigator.
  10. Participation in or plans to participate in another research study that may interfere with the study endpoints.

Where it's running

• Blusson Spinal Cord Centre
  Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Andrei Krassioukov, MD,PhD,FRCPC — The University of British Columbia, International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD)
• Study coordinator: Andrea Maharaj, BSc
• Email: amaharaj@icord.org
• Phone: 604.675-8856

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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.