Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 20 and up

Using non-invasive spinal stimulation to improve ankle movement in spinal cord injury patients

Official title: Effect of tSCS on Ankle Movement Training - Evidence From Spinal Circuitry Adaptation in Individuals With SCI

Run by Chang Gung University · NCT06596174 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a new non-invasive spinal stimulation method can help improve ankle movement in people with spinal cord injuries during training.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorChang Gung University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taoyuan)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 25, 2024
Main results expectedAugust 2026
Study endsAugust 2026
Registry record updatedNovember 26, 2024
Trial IDNCT06596174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries lasting more than one year and healthy participants without lower limb injuries.

Probably not a fit

Patients with current musculoskeletal injuries, neuromuscular diseases, or those on specific medications 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 clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) in enhancing spinal circuitry adaptation for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study aims to determine the optimal parameters for tSCS and its priming effect during machine-assisted ankle movement training. It will evaluate both short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of combining tSCS with ankle movement training in participants with incomplete SCI, as well as healthy individuals. This approach seeks to provide a non-invasive alternative to traditional epidural spinal cord stimulation, which has limitations due to surgical requirements.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques for individuals with spinal cord injuries, enhancing their mobility and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: While tSCS has not been extensively studied in large human trials, similar approaches with epidural stimulation have shown functional benefits.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Health subjects:

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Musculoskeletal injuries on legs.
2. Osteoporosis.

SCI subjects:

Inclusion Criteria

1\. Participants with chronic spinal cord injury, with injury duration greater than one year.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Current musculoskeletal or joint injuries in the lower limbs.
2. History of central or peripheral neuromuscular diseases.
3. Presence of a pacemaker.
4. Current use of antispastic or antidepressant medications.
5. Current venous thromboembolism or osteoporosis.
6. Impairment of the soleus H-reflex arc.

Where it's running

  • Chang Gung University
    Taoyuan, Taiwan
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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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.