Enhancing Corticospinal Excitability to Improve Functional Recovery
Completed · Not applicable · Has a placebo group
Conditions studied: Spinal Cord Injuries, Tetraplegia
In brief
Research indicates that increasing brain excitability might help improve hand function in people with spinal cord injury. Brain stimulation that uses electrodes placed on the surface of the scalp (also called "non-invasive brain stimulation") increases brain excitability and has the potential to make it easier for the brain and nervous system to respond to arm and hand training. The purpose of this study is to compare four different types of stimulation for increasing brain excitability to determine which types are best for helping people with tetraplegia improve their ability to use their arms and hands. To fully evaluate the value of brain stimulation on arm and hand function, the investigators will also evaluate the effect of sham (fake) stimulation. Each participant will receive a single session of each of the five types of stimulation being tested.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT03237091
- Run by
- Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA
- People needed
- 19
- Starts
- 2018-05-03
- Expected to finish
- 2019-09-27
- Last updated by the study team
- 2019-10-08
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Cervical (neurological level C1-C8) SCI occurring more than 6 months ago
- Any severity classification (ASIA/ISNCSCI A, B, C, D)
- Self-reported functional limitation in at least one upper limb
- Ability to voluntarily move thumb or index finger (visible twitch) of both upper limbs
- Ability and willingness to consent to participate in the study and authorize use of protected health information
You may not qualify if…
- Pacemaker or metal implant in the head
- History of seizure
- History of frequent or severe headaches
- Damage to the nerves of the arms/hands (lower motor neuron damage) as documented in medical record, per participant report, or during in-person screening
- Prior tendon or nerve transfer surgery
- Severe pain or hypersensitivity of the arm/hand that would limit participation in arm and hand training
- Severe contractures of the arm/hand that would limit participation in arm and hand training
- Current pregnancy
Where it is running
- Shepherd Center — Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.