Using a robotic exoskeleton for upper limb rehabilitation in spinal cord injury patients

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 evaluates the effectiveness of a commercial robotic orthosis designed for upper limb rehabilitation in patients with spinal cord injuries. Conducted in two neuro-rehabilitation centers in the UK, the trial will involve nine tetraplegic inpatients who will participate in a twelve-week rehabilitation program. Each patient will attend three to four sessions per week, focusing on improving their upper limb function through the use of the robotic device alongside their usual care. The goal is to empower patients to self-manage their rehabilitation and enhance their independence.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18+ years.
* The levels of C5 C6 Asia C/D would provide individuals with elbow and hand impairment and potentially functional shoulder movements. C7, C8 individuals could also benefit from the hand component of the device.
* Some gross shoulder movement at start of the trial to enable changes at the elbow/hand, to have the greatest potential for functional change.
* Preservation of hand sensation as base for motor restoration.
* Some sitting balance would give the best opportunity for the arm to be released for functional upper limb activity.
* EMG (muscle activity) evidence of active finger flexion, extension and elbow flexion extension Grade 1-2.
* Minimal or No community functional use of upper limb at start of trial.
* Spasticity MAS 1-3/5.

Where it's running

• Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (Stanmore)
  London, United Kingdom Recruiting
• The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  Oswestry, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Heba Lakany, PhD — University of Liverpool
• Study coordinator: Heba Lakany, PhD
• Email: heba.lakany@liverpool.ac.uk
• Phone: +447737353181

Similar studies

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

• Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation with 4-aminopyridine and intensive rehab for chronic spinal cord injury

  This pilot study tests whether combining noninvasive spinal stimulation, dalfampridine, and rigorous rehab is safe and feasible for adults with chronic spinal cord injury and whether it can help improve movement and walking.

  Recruiting TryAbility LLC · Downers Grove, Illinois · NCT07922122

• NG004 for incomplete cervical spinal cord injury

  This trial tests NG004 versus placebo to see if it is safe and helps motor function and daily life in adults with acute incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.

  Recruiting at 7 sites Phase 1 NovaGo Therapeutics AG · Bayreuth and 9 other locations · NCT07840196

• Robot-assisted training for arm and leg movement after stroke or injury

  This study tests whether adding ZEPU-AI robotic training to usual therapy is safe and helps adults with arm or leg movement problems from stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, or orthopedic conditions.

  Recruiting Bangladesh Medical University · Dhaka · NCT07749625

• ZEPU-AI3 Lower Limb Feedback Training and Evaluation Robot in Rehab

  This pilot trial tests whether adding the ZEPU-AI3 robotic leg training with real-time feedback to standard rehab helps adults with lower limb motor problems from stroke, spinal cord injury, or similar conditions.

  Recruiting Bangladesh Medical University · Dhaka, Dhaka Division · NCT07705906

• Combined magnetic stimulation and ultrasound for detrusor overactivity in spinal cord injury

  This study tests whether using high-frequency sacral nerve stimulation together with bladder-directed ultrasound can reduce involuntary bladder contractions and improve bladder function in people with spinal cord injury.

  Recruiting Shengjing Hospital · Shenyang · NCT07704268

• Hybrid HIIT-FES cycling program for people with spinal cord injury

  This study tests a hybrid exercise program that combines functional electrical stimulation cycling with voluntary arm work to improve health in adults with spinal cord injury.

  Recruiting William Carey University · Hattiesburg, Mississippi · NCT07648173

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.