Training to improve brain-to-muscle connections in people with spinal cord injuries
Characterization of Physiological Changes Induced Through Motor-evoked Potential Conditioning in People With Spinal Cord Injury
This study is testing a training program to see if it can help people with spinal cord injuries improve their brain-to-muscle connections and regain better control of their movements.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT04286191 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study recruits volunteers to explore how brain-spinal cord-muscle response training can enhance nervous system function after spinal cord injuries. Participants will engage in activities like standing, sitting, and walking while their muscle activity is monitored using electrodes. The study employs transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess brain-to-muscle connections, aiming to strengthen these pathways and improve movement control. The research focuses on understanding the physiological changes that occur as a result of this training.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals who are neurologically stable, at least one year post spinal cord injury, and can ambulate at least 10 meters.
Not a fit: Patients with motoneuron injuries, significant cognitive impairments, or those with certain medical devices may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved movement control and recovery for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance neuroplasticity and recovery in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Neurologically stable (\>1 year post SCI) * Medical clearance to participate * Ability to ambulate at least 10 m with or without an assistive device (except for parallel bars) * Signs of weak ankle dorsiflexion at least unilaterally * Expectation that current medication will be maintained without change for at least 3 months; stable use of anti-spasticity medication is accepted Exclusion Criteria: * motoneuron injury * known cardiac condition (e.g., history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, pacemaker use) * medically unstable condition * cognitive impairment * history of epileptic seizures * metal implants in the cranium * implanted biomedical device in or above the ches (e.g., a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant) * no measurable MEP elicited * unable to produce any voluntary TA EMG activity * extensive use of functional electrical stimulation to the leg on a daily basis * pregnancy (due to changes in weight and posture and potential medical instability)
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aiko K Thompson, PhD — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Blair Dellenbach, MSOT
- Email: stecb@musc.edu
- Phone: 843-792-6313
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.