Enhancing Corticospinal Activation for Improved Walking Function

Completed · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Spinal Cord Injuries

In brief

For many people with spinal cord injury (SCI), the goal of walking is a high priority. There are many approaches available to restore walking function after SCI; however, these approaches often involve extensive rehabilitation training and access to facilities, qualified staff, and advanced technology that make practicing walking at home difficult. For this reason, developing training approaches that could be easily performed in the home would be of great value. In addition, non-invasive brain stimulation has the potential to increase the effectiveness of communication between the brain and spinal cord. Combining motor skill training with brain stimulation may further enhance the restoration of function in persons with SCI. Based on these findings, the primary aim of this proof-of-concept study is to inform future intervention development. To meet this aim, we will determine if moderate-intensity, motor skill training can improve walking-related outcomes among persons with SCI and to determine if the addition of non-invasive brain stimulation will result in greater improvements in function compared to training alone.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03237234

Run by

Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA

People needed

25

Starts

2017-03-01

Expected to finish

2021-07-01

Last updated by the study team

2022-01-12

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Have a spinal cord injury (neurological level C3-T10);
• Chronic SCI (12 months or greater);
• Neurological impairment classification C or D;
• Able to stand for at least 5 minutes (with or without an assistive device);
• Able to move each leg independently for at least 3 steps;
• Able to rise from sit to stand with moderate assistance from one person;
• Ability and willingness to consent and authorize use of personal health information.

You may not qualify if…

• Progressive spinal lesions including degenerative, or progressive vascular disorders of the spine and/or spinal cord;
• Injuries below the neurological spinal level of T10;
• History of cardiovascular irregularities;
• Altered cognitive status;
• Presence of orthopedic conditions that would adversely affect participation in exercise;
• Implanted metallic objects in the head;
• History of seizures;
• Inability and unwillingness to consent and authorize use of personal health information.

Where it is running

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

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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