Using a robotic device to improve standing after spinal cord injury

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 effects of a robotic assistive device called the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (TPAD) on standing and sitting balance control in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants will be classified into five groups based on their ability to stand independently and will undergo training with the TPAD to enhance muscle function and posture control. The TPAD provides active support and controlled perturbations to challenge participants' balance, aiming to improve their overall standing ability. A total of 50 participants will be enrolled, with assessments conducted over a six-month period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. At least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment;
2. stable medical condition
3. at least one year post-spinal cord injury (Groups 1-4)
4. non-progressive, traumatic SCI above T10 (Groups 1-4)
5. Injury Grade A, B, C or D (Groups 1-4)
6. ability to stand independently for short periods of time, not exceeding 1 hour (Groups 1 and 3)
7. inability to stand independently (Groups 2 and 4)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. unwillingness to wean from anti-spasticity medications;
2. untreated painful musculoskeletal dysfunction, unhealed fracture, contracture, pressure sore or urinary tract infection
3. history of bone disease unassociated with decreased bone mineral density due to spinal cord injury
4. ongoing drug abuse
5. untreated psychiatric disorders or clinical depression
6. received botox injections in lower extremities in the prior six months
7. Cardiopulmonary disease that may interfere with assessments
8. Untreated severe and persistent dysautonomia
9. Neurological injury or disease (Group 5)
10. Orthopedic injury or condition (Group 5)

Where it's running

• Kessler Foundation
  West Orange, New Jersey, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Gail F Forrest, PhD — Kessler Foundation
• Study coordinator: Research Manager
• Email: LMartinez@KesslerFoundation.Org
• Phone: 9733243557

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Targeted spinal cord stimulation to reduce spasticity in spinal cord injury

  This study tests whether an implanted epidural stimulator can help reduce severe spasticity and improve voluntary movement in adults with spinal cord injury.

  Recruiting Kessler Foundation · West Orange, New Jersey · NCT07890558

• Spinal cord stimulation for bladder and bowel problems after spinal cord injury

  This project will test spinal cord stimulation to see if it helps people with bladder and bowel problems after a spinal cord injury.

  Recruiting Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital · Beijing · NCT07511244

• Home-based passive heat therapy to improve cardiovascular health after spinal cord injury

  This program will test whether regular passive heat sessions at home can improve blood vessel and heart health in adults with chronic spinal cord injury.

  Recruiting The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · San Antonio, Texas · NCT07317843

• ARC-IM therapy to help restore walking after spinal cord injury

  This study will try ARC-IM Therapy (epidural electrical stimulation) in adults with subacute or chronic traumatic spinal cord injury to see if it helps improve walking and other ambulatory functions.

  Recruiting Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne · Nottwil, Canton of Lucerne and 1 other locations · NCT07234903

• Near-infrared imaging to see how motor imagery affects recovery after spinal cord injury

  This trial will test whether a motor-imagery brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) can help adults with recent cervical-to-thoracic spinal cord injuries improve motor function and change brain activity measured by fNIRS and EEG.

  Recruiting Shengjing Hospital · Shenyang, Liaoning · NCT07106060

• How different meals affect metabolism and heat production after high spinal cord injury

  This study will see if different meal sizes change heart and metabolic responses in men with and without high spinal cord injury.

  Recruiting University of Miami · Miami, Florida · NCT07103993

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.