Understanding how the reticulospinal system controls movement
Contributions of the Reticulospinal System to Movement Control and Functional Recovery in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury
NA · University of Zurich · NCT04967274
This study is testing how a part of the nervous system helps people with spinal cord injuries move by using surprising sounds to see how quickly they can react and move.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 248 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT04967274 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the role of the reticulospinal system in controlling movements, particularly in individuals with spinal cord injuries. It utilizes the StartReact paradigm, which involves startling acoustic stimuli to assess the motor control capabilities of the reticulospinal pathways. By examining the reaction times and movement execution in response to these stimuli, the study aims to enhance our understanding of motor physiology in humans, especially in the context of spinal cord injuries. The findings could provide insights into rehabilitation strategies for affected individuals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with spinal cord injuries classified as ASIA Impairment scale A-D and healthy participants.
Not a fit: Patients with current neurological or orthopedic problems affecting movement may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the reticulospinal system has been studied in animals, this approach in humans is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent as documented by signature For SCI patients: * ASIA Impairment scale (AIS) A-D * Focal damage at cervical (C4-C7; i.e. damage rostral of the spi-nal segments innervating the examined hand and leg muscles) or thoracic (T4-T12; i.e. damage caudal of the spinal segments innervating the m. abductor digiti minimi, but rostral of the spi-nal segments innervating the m. tibialis anterior) * Patients with cervical SCI must reveal bilaterally intact ulnar nerves as demonstrated by normal compound motor action potential (cMAP), nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and F-wave latencies in clinical neurography. * Patients with thoracic SCI must reveal bilaterally intact tibial and peroneal nerves as demonstrated by normal cMAP, NCV and F-wave latencies Exclusion Criteria: * Women who are pregnant or breast feeding * Current neurological problems other than SCI and related impairments * Current orthopaedic problems affecting upper and lower extremity movements * History of alcohol abuse or the intake of psychotropic drugs * History of major cardiac condition (e.g., infarction, insufficiency (NYHA II-IV)) * History of major pulmonary condition (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (GOLD II-IV)) * Current major depression or psychosis * Fever of unknown origin
Where this trial is running
Zurich
- Balgrist University Hospital — Zurich, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Patrick Freund, Prof. Dr. — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Linard Filli, Dr.
- Email: linard.filli@balgrist.ch
- Phone: +41 44 510 72 12
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.
Conditions: Spinal Cord Injuries, Healthy