Testing spinal stimulation methods for improving motor function in spinal cord injury patients

Neuromodulation With Spinal Stimulation Methods

NA · University of Manitoba · NCT06272279

This study is testing different spinal stimulation methods to see if they can help improve movement in people with spinal cord injuries at the C5-C7 level.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Manitoba (other)
Locations2 sites (Winnipeg, Manitoba and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06272279 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot research project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various non-invasive spinal stimulation techniques in individuals with spinal cord injuries, specifically targeting those with injuries at the C5-C7 level. The study will enroll up to 24 participants and will assess different stimulation parameters and their impact on motor performance. By comparing voluntary and reflexive motor responses in both injured and non-injured individuals, the study seeks to determine the potential benefits of spinal cord stimulation for recovery. The interventions include direct current stimulation and electrical stimulation, with sham controls for comparison.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with spinal cord injuries ranging from C4 to L4 who can understand and follow directions.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of seizures, head injuries, or those with implanted medical devices may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved motor function recovery for patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While spinal stimulation has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in this population.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* spinal cord injury C4 to L4
* ability to understand and follow directions

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of seizures, head injury, concussion, unexplained loss of consciousness or if they lived with an implanted cochlear stimulator, brain/neurostimulator, cardiac pacemaker, medication infusion device or live with metal implants in their body or if they are pregnant.

Where this trial is running

Winnipeg, Manitoba and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Spinal Cord Injuries, Spinal Cord Injury at C5-C7 Level, Paraplegia, Spinal, Paraplegia, Incomplete

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.