Optimizing sensory feedback to maximize hand and arm function after tetraplegia
Development of Optimal Sensory Feedback Strategies to Maximize Function After Tetraplegia: A Sub-study of the Reconnecting the Hand and Arm to the Brain (ReHAB) Clinical Trial
This project tests different patterns of brain and nerve electrical stimulation to restore touch and pressure sensations in people with cervical spinal cord injuries who already have ReHAB implants.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 3 (estimated) |
| Ages | 22 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Case Western Reserve University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT07225582 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants are individuals already implanted with intracortical arrays and peripheral nerve cuff electrodes through the ReHAB program. The study delivers intracortical microstimulation (ICMS), peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), and combined ICMS+PNS using varied temporal and spatial patterns. Perceived sensations will be quantified with classic psychophysical methods and the functional impact measured during closed-loop virtual reality tasks controlled by decoded cortical signals. The aim is to identify stimulation paradigms that produce reliable, localized, and functionally useful sensations for hand and arm use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with cervical spinal cord injuries who are already implanted through the ReHAB program and can attend regular in-person testing at the Cleveland site.
Not a fit: Participants without functioning ReHAB system components or those with severe pain or other medical conditions that prevent completing study activities are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could restore useful touch sensations and improve control of the hand and arm for people with tetraplegia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that ICMS and peripheral nerve stimulation can each elicit tactile percepts and support function, but combined ICMS+PNS approaches are novel and remain exploratory.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Enrolled in the ReHAB clinical trial and received ReHAB system components via implantation surgery. 2. Willingness and availability to follow the study protocol. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Lack of function or operability of all implanted ReHAB system components 2. Severe pain or other chronic medical condition that would prevent the participant from completing study-related activities
Where this trial is running
Cleveland, Ohio
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Emily Graczyk, Ph.D. — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Emily Graczyk, Ph.D.
- Email: elg46@case.edu
- Phone: 216.368.5182
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.