Training wrist muscle responses in people with incomplete spinal cord injuries
Can Increasing Motor Evoked Potential Size Improve Upper Extremity Motor Function in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury?
This study is testing whether targeted training can improve wrist movement in people with incomplete spinal cord injuries by strengthening the connection between their brain and muscles.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 5 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT05321017 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the connection between clinical assessments and the function of brain-spinal cord-muscle pathways in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries. Using a transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS), researchers aim to enhance the brain-to-muscle response of the wrist extensor muscle through targeted training. The hypothesis is that this training will strengthen the neural pathways involved, leading to improved arm movement capabilities. The study seeks to develop effective therapy strategies based on the findings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a history of spinal cord injury at or above C6 who exhibit weak wrist extension.
Not a fit: Patients with motoneuron injuries, cognitive impairments, or those with certain medical devices may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve arm movement and quality of life for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, similar studies using TMS have shown promise in enhancing motor function in other populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. a history of injury to spinal cord at or above C6 2. neurologically stable (\>6 mo post SCI) 3. medical clearance to participate 4. weak wrist extension at least unilaterally 5. expectation that current medication will be maintained without change for at least 3 months. Stable use of anti-spasticity medication (e.g., baclofen, diazepam, tizanidine) is accepted. In participants with bilateral wrist extension weakness, the more severely impaired arm is studied. Exclusion Criteria: 1. motoneuron injury 2. medically unstable condition 3. cognitive impairment 4. a history of epileptic seizures 5. metal implants in the cranium 6. implanted biomedical device in or above the chest (e.g., a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant) 7. no measurable MEP elicited in the ECR 8. unable to produce any voluntary ECR EMG activity 9. extensive use of functional electrical stimulation to the arm on a daily basis 10. pregnancy (due to changes in 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: Blair Dellenbach, MSOT — 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.