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Transcranial Electrical Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury

Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this pilot study is to find out how four different types of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) affect brain activity, the process of acquiring new skills (also called motor learning), and hand function after cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI).

Participants will complete 5 study sessions: one sign-up session and four testing \& intervention sessions. Total participation will take about 18 hours. During the sign-up session, researchers will: discuss study details, review the participant's health history to make sure that it is safe for them to participate, perform tests to ensure that the participant meets the study criteria, and collect the participant's demographic information. During each testing \& intervention session, the participant will receive a different type of tES. Before and after getting tES, they will take part in tests that measure their brain activity and the strength, sensation, and function of their right hand.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with a cervical spinal cord injury who want to improve arm and hand function. Participants must be able to attend five study sessions and have no health issues that would make electrical brain stimulation unsafe.

Inclusion Criteria

I have trouble using my right hand.
Ability and willingness to consent to participate in the study and authorize use of protected health information
I had a cervical spinal cord injury at least one year ago.
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have worsening spinal cord problems or progressive spinal disorders.
Metal implant in the head
I have a history of seizures that are not well controlled.
See 7 more

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • sham transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) + FTP
  • transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) + FTP
  • transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) + FTP
  • transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) + FTP

Trial Overview

The study compares four types of gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS, tPCS, tRNS, or sham) combined with physical training to see which best improves hand strength and skill after spinal cord injury. Each participant tries all four methods in separate sessions.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) + functional task practice (FTP)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions
Group II: sham transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) + functional task practice (FTP)Active Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA

Lead Sponsor

Trials
30
Recruited
4,000+

Georgia Institute of Technology

Collaborator

Trials
53
Recruited
5,600+

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