Understanding how the reticulospinal system controls movement

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.