Spinal Neurorehabilitation for Veterans With SCI
Official title: Identifying Residual Connectivity in Veterans With Spinal Cord Injury for Precision Neurorehabilitation
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT07222046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests non-invasive spinal neuromodulation approaches to see if veterans with long-term spinal cord injury can gain some motor or sensory improvements.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 31, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2031 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | September 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07222046 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with chronic spinal cord injury (injury >1 year) who can read English, consent, and participate in neurophysiological testing.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with contraindications to external stimulation, significant comorbidities, or pre-existing functional disability before SCI may be less likely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project examines how non-invasive spinal neuromodulation and related neurophysiological assessments might help improve function for individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries. Researchers will engage stakeholders to identify priorities and barriers to participation, collect survey data from veterans and SCI physicians, and perform qualitative feedback before and after preliminary neuromodulation experiments. The study uses neurophysiological and anatomical testing, including transcutaneous spinal stimulation, to explore residual connectivity and potential functional gains. Results will inform trial design and eligible patient profiles for future, more targeted interventions. This work represents an initial step toward optimizing neuromodulation-based treatment strategies for veterans with SCI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improvements in motor or sensory function and/or quality of life through non-invasive spinal stimulation approaches.
How similar studies have gone: Prior spinal neuromodulation studies are limited by small samples; this trial aims to define which patients may benefit and how to design future larger studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All participants must be able to independently read and understand study information materials necessary to ensure informed consent * All participants must have a chronic spinal cord injury occurring \>1 year prior to study enrollment * Ability to follow simple commands in English Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to the use of external magnetic or electrical stimulation (e.g., epilepsy, intracranial metal, implanted electrosensitive device, etc.) * Significant neurological comorbidities that may affect neurophysiological recordings * Functional disability prior to spinal cord injury * Visual or auditory disorders limiting ability to participate in study procedures * Pregnancy * Primary psychiatric disorders or dissociative mental symptoms that impair informed consent * Significant chronic pain that may preclude an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or performing neurorehabilitation exercises * Frequent and significant spasticity that may preclude an MRI scan or neurorehabilitation exercises
Where it's running
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VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, CA
Sacramento, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jonathan S Calvert, PhD MD — VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, CA
- Study coordinator: Jonathan S Calvert, PhD MD
- Email: Jonathan.Calvert2@va.gov
- Phone: (916) 843-7512
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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.