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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitacion Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Tlalpan, Mexico City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 25, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05343130 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.
-
Low Volume Nose Breathing Exercises With an Incentive Spirometer for Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Patients
This trial tests whether adding low-volume nose resistance breathing with an incentive spirometer to standard respiratory therapy helps people with cervical spinal cord injury breathe better.
-
Connexus® Brain-Computer Interface to restore communication and device control
This study will try the Connexus brain-computer interface to help people with severe loss of voluntary movement (for example from ALS, cervical spinal cord injury, or stroke) communicate and control computers.
-
Combined augmented reality and electrical stimulation to improve hand and arm function after cervical spinal cord injury
This project will test whether a combined augmented reality (AR) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) system can help people with chronic cervical spinal cord injury improve their upper-limb grasping and everyday hand use over 20 one-hour sessions.
-
Robotic implantation of a precise brain‑computer interface to restore communication
This project tests whether a robotically implanted Neuralink N1 brain implant can help adults with severe, irreversible speech loss from ALS, spinal cord injury, or stroke communicate again.
-
Robotically implanted Neuralink N1 brain-computer interface to control external devices
This study will test whether a robotically implanted Neuralink N1 brain-computer interface can safely help people with high spinal cord injuries or ALS control computers and other external devices.
-
Robotically implanted brain chip to help control external devices
This tests a wireless, rechargeable brain implant (Neuralink N1) and a robot surgical system (R1) to help people with severe arm and hand paralysis control external devices.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.