A Neuroprosthesis for Seated Posture and Balance

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Spinal Cord Injury, Paralysis, Tetraplegia, Paraplegia

In brief

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a surgically implanted functional electrical stimulation (FES) system to facilitate stability of the trunk and hips. FES involves applying small electric currents to the nerves, which cause the muscles to contract. This study evaluates how stabilizing and stiffening the trunk with FES can change the way spinal cord injured volunteers sit, breathe, reach, push a wheelchair, or roll in bed.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT01474148

Run by

VA Office of Research and Development

People needed

10

Starts

2011-11-30

Expected to finish

2027-01-31

Last updated by the study team

2025-10-27

Who can join

Age: 21 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• C4-T12
• ASIA Scale A through C
• Time post injury greater than 6 months
• Innervated and excitable trunk and pelvis musculature
• Absence of acute or chronic psychological problems or chemical dependency
• Range of motion within normal limits
• Controlled spasticity and absence of hip flexion and adduction spasm
• Height and weight within normal limits
• No history of balance problems or spontaneous falls
• No history of spontaneous fracture or evidence low bone density
• No acute orthopaedic problems
• No acute medical complications
• Adequate social support and stability
• Able to speak and read English

You may not qualify if…

• Pregnancy
• Non-English speaking

Where it is running

• Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH — Cleveland, Ohio, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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