Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using brain-computer interface to help rehabilitate upper limbs in spinal cord injury patients

Official title: Efficacy of a Therapy With Brain-Computer Interface Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation for Neurorehabilitation of Patients With Spinal Cord Injury (Eficacia de Una Terapia Con estimulación eléctrica Funcional Controlada Con Interfaz Cerebro-computadora Para neurorrehabilitación de Pacientes Con lesión Medular)

Run by Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitacion · NCT05343130 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether a brain-computer interface can help people with spinal cord injuries regain movement in their arms better than a standard treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment32 (estimated)
SponsorInstituto Nacional de Rehabilitacion
Government
Locations1 site (Tlalpan, Mexico City)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 1, 2022
Main results expectedJune 2027
Study endsDecember 2027
Registry record updatedJune 25, 2025
Trial IDNCT05343130 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries at neurological levels C6 or C7, classified as ASIA A, B, C, or D, and who have upper limb spasticity of +1 or less.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe attention deficits, previous traumatic brain injuries, or other neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a brain-computer interface (BCI) controlled functional electrical stimulation therapy for neurorehabilitation in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. It will involve a randomized controlled trial comparing the outcomes of BCI therapy against a sham intervention that applies functional electrical stimulation without BCI control. The primary focus is on improving motor function in the upper limbs of participants with varying degrees of spinal cord injury. The study will assess both clinical and physiological effects to determine the therapy's efficacy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly enhance motor rehabilitation outcomes for patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using brain-computer interfaces for rehabilitation, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Spinal Cord Injury at neurological levels C6 or C7
* American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification A, B, C or D
* Upper limb spasticity of less or equal to +1 measured with the Modified Ashworth Scale
* Time since disease onset of more than 6 months and less than 60 months
* Normal or corrected to normal vision

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe attention deficits
* Previous diagnosis of traumatic brain injury
* Previous diagnosis of peripheral nerve injury
* Previous stroke diagnosis
* Previous diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases
* History of fractures in upper extremities
* Skin lesions
* Contractures in upper extremities that hamper mobility
* Excessive muscle spasms

Where it's running

  • Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitacion Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (National Institute of Rehabilitation)
    Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Jessica Cantillo-Negrete, PhD — Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitacion (National Institute of Rehabilitation)
  • Study coordinator: Jessica Cantillo-Negrete, PhD
  • Email: jcantillo@inr.gob.mx
  • Phone: +525559991000

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.