Training wrist muscle responses in people with incomplete spinal cord injuries

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.