Robot-assisted exercise for upper-limb rehabilitation in cervical spinal cord injury
Official title: Assessing Effectiveness of Robot-assisted Upper-limb Exercise in Persons After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Run by University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia · NCT06089915 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if adding robot-assisted exercises to regular therapy can help people with cervical spinal cord injuries improve their upper-limb function.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ljubljana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06089915 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who can move their upper limbs and sit for one hour.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other bodily impairments or those unable to understand instructions for the robot-assisted exercise may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of robot-assisted upper-limb exercises in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries. In a randomized controlled trial, participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving standard occupational therapy and the other receiving both standard therapy and additional robot-assisted exercises. The study will assess three primary and two secondary outcomes using established measurement tools to determine the impact of the robot-assisted interventions on rehabilitation progress. The trial seeks to fill the gap in high-quality evidence regarding the benefits of robotic assistance in this specific patient population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance rehabilitation outcomes for patients with cervical spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited high-quality evidence for this specific population, similar studies in stroke patients have shown positive outcomes with robot-assisted rehabilitation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ability to move unloaded upper limbs * at least 18 years of age * ability to sit for one hour * ability to understand the instructions for robot-assisted exercise Exclusion Criteria: * inability to sit for one hour * presence of hospital-acquired infection that requires isolation * bodily impairment other than spinal cord injury * inability to understand the instructions for robot-assisted exercise
Where it's running
-
University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tibor Kafel, OT — University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia
- Study coordinator: Metka Moharić, MD, PhD
- Email: metka.moharic@ir-rs.si
- Phone: +386 1 4758441
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.