Using brain signals to control assistive devices for spinal cord injury patients

Assessment of Neural Signals for the Control of Assistive Devices

NA · University of Miami · NCT06533969

This study is testing whether brain signals can help people with spinal cord injuries better control assistive devices to improve their mobility and independence.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Miami (other)
Locations2 sites (Miami, Florida and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06533969 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how motor intention-based cortical signals can be utilized to activate epidural spinal cord stimulation in individuals with spinal cord injuries. By decoding motor intentions through a brain-computer interface system, which may involve either Electroencephalographic (EEG) or Electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings, the research aims to enhance the control of assistive devices. The approach focuses on patients with chronic spinal cord injuries, specifically targeting those with some residual function. The goal is to improve mobility and independence for these individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with chronic spinal cord injuries who have some residual function.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could significantly enhance the ability of spinal cord injury patients to control assistive devices, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing brain-computer interfaces for assistive device control have shown promising results, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients age 18 and older
* Able to sign informed consent
* Not participating in other studies that limit participation
* Chronic (\>6 month) traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) (C4-T1 neurological injury with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS A-D) with some residual function.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients that are pregnant
* Patients under the age of 18
* Patients unable to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Spinal Cord Injury, Initial Encounter, Brain Computer Interface, Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.