Stimulation plus balance training to improve balance after neck spine compression surgery
Official title: Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Postural Stability After Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Run by Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT07298460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation to balance training helps improve balance in adults who had surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07298460 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with degenerative cervical myelopathy who had neck surgery more than 12 months ago and still have impaired balance.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not respond to stimulation or who cannot tolerate the procedure may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This early-phase study examines if transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) combined with balance and gait training improves balance more than balance training alone in adults with prior neck-spine surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy. Participants are randomized into three groups to compare mid-back stimulation, neck-and-mid-back stimulation, and mid-back stimulation alone, alongside standardized training. The study also explores effects on nerve and muscle activity and evaluates safety and practicality of tSCS in this population. Results will inform the design of a larger future trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved balance and walking ability.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in related balance and spinal stimulation approaches has shown potential benefits but this exact combination in post-surgical DCM is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * DCM participants who have undergone surgery for DCM more than 12 months prior and report persistent impaired imbalance Exclusion Criteria: * uncontrolled cardiopulmonary disease, legal blindness, unstable medical condition that can interfere with the study, breakdown in skin area that will come into contact with electrodes, active implanted medical device, pregnancy, and seizures * concurrent occupational or physical therapy during study participation for any condition * history of inability to tolerate MEP/SSEP for any reason, or complete paralysis of the legs (lower limb mJOA=0) * cognitive impairment and unable to give consent
Where it's running
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
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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.