Conditioning Neural Circuits to Improve Upper Extremity Function

Completed · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Spinal Cord Injury, Tetraplegia

In brief

Non-invasive brain stimulation has gained increasing popularity and research support over the past several years. Recent research indicates that it might have benefits for improving hand function in people with spinal cord injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a type of non-invasive brain stimulation, known as tDCS, on hand function.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT02611375

Run by

Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA

People needed

80

Starts

2017-02-09

Expected to finish

2019-07-17

Last updated by the study team

2020-07-29

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Be 18-65 years of age
• Have a cervical (neurological level C1-C8) SCI that occurred either <6 months ago (subacute) or >1 year (chronic) prior to the time of enrollment
• For subjects with acute/subacute SCI: the injury must be a traumatic injury (i.e. not the result of illness or a condition within the body)
• Have ISNCSCI severity classification (A, B, C or D)
• Have self-reported limitations in arm and hand function in at least one upper limb (a GRASSP quantitative score of no more than 26/30 in the hand that is the focus of treatment)
• Have the ability to pick up objects with at least one hand without using assistive devices (a GRASSP quantitative score of at least 4/30 in the hand that is the focus of treatment)
• Have shoulder strength lift an arm up to chest level
• Have the ability to sit for at least one hour at a time (e.g. good skin integrity, stable blood pressure)
• For subjects with acute/subacute SCI: adequate time remaining in their treatment at Shepherd Center to allow 5 weeks of participation
• For subjects with chronic SCI: active hand function is required (see Pre-intervention assessment) reliable transportation in order to complete the intervention in its entirety
• Ability and willingness to consent and authorize use of personal health information

You may not qualify if…

• Pacemaker or a metal implant in the head
• Current pregnancy
• Severe shoulder weakness, injury, or pain that contraindicates repetitive fine motor training
• Lower motor neuron damage (as documented in medical record, per participant report, or as noted by in-person screening)
• Severe hypersensitivity or pain of the arm/hand
• Severe contractures of the arm/hand that would limit participation in fine motor training
• Prior tendon or nerve transfer surgery
• Have a history of seizures
• Have a history of frequent or severe headaches

Where it is running

• Shepherd Center, Inc. — Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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