Rhythmic cues to help walking 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 small, early-stage study tests the feasibility and potential benefits of a wearable rhythmic auditory stimulation system for improving gait in people with non-progressive motor incomplete spinal cord injury. Participants will receive supervised gait training twice weekly for six weeks using the MedRhythms device, which delivers real-time, individualized rhythmic cues based on each person’s gait. Primary outcomes focus on walking speed, while secondary outcomes assess endurance, detailed gait parameters, and patient-reported quality of life related to social roles. The study uses standard gait assessments and self-reported measures to gauge preliminary efficacy and practicality of integrating the device into physical therapy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years old
* Language: English or Spanish only
* Diagnosis: non-progressive spinal cord lesion; classification as either grade C, D, or E SCI based on American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS)
* Able to ambulate at least a contact guard assist level
* Time post injury: ≥6 months
* Cadence: minimum 40 steps/minute with clear heel strike
* Able to consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who use an assistive device and are unable to achieve a 2-point walking pattern (left-right-left-right) with an assistive device
* Walks exclusively with a 3-point walking pattern with an assistive device
* Ambulation requiring a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO)
* Presence of additional neurological or medical processes that contribute to weakness
* Unable to perceive music through the MedRhythyms device

Where it's running

• UC Davis Point West
  Sacramento, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Shane Stone, MD — UC Davis
• Study coordinator: Anita M Shammee, DO
• Email: amshammee@health.ucdavis.edu
• Phone: 15712056604

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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.