Noninvasive Spinal Cord Stimulation for Early SCI

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Spinal Cord Injuries, Bowel Dysfunction, Sexual Dysfunction, Autonomic Dysfunction, Urologic Disorders

In brief

The investigators are looking to determine the safety and efficacy of non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) in promoting recovery of lower urinary tract (LUT), bowel, sexual, and cardiovascular function, as well as spasticity in individuals with subacute and chronic SCI (time since injury 3-6 months) and the impact on quality of life. The study will be conducted at two sites; site 1 in Canada and site 2 in the Ukraine. Up to 60 subjects will be enrolled; 10 adults at the ICORD, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada site and 50 adults at the Rivne Regional War Veterans Hospital, Rivne, Ukraine. Eligible participants will be randomized (1:1 ratio) either to Group 1 (G1) or Group 2 (G2). G1 will receive therapeutic TSCS for 8 weeks (3 times per week; 1 hour per session) in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation (3-4 hours per day; 5 days per week). G2 will receive 8 weeks of sham stimulation in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation. After 8 weeks, G2 will cross over and receive therapeutic TSCS for 8 weeks, whereas G1 will continue to receive TSCS therapy for another 8 weeks, for a total of 16 weeks. Eligible participants enrolled into the study will attend fifty eight (58) visits for assessments, therapy, and follow-up. The expected duration of study participation for each participant will be 33 weeks.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT06587841
Run by: University of British Columbia
People needed: 60
Starts: 2024-10-01
Expected to finish: 2027-10-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-02-27

Who can join

Age: 19 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

A participant must meet all of the following criteria in order to be eligible to participate:
Be a resident of either British Columbia (for Vancouver Site) with an active provincial medical service plan or Ukraine (for Ukraine Site) Age between 19 and 65 years at the time of consent
Subacute (time since injury 3-6 months) or chronic (time since injury 12+ months) SCI
ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A or B at spinal segments C5-T10
Documented impaired LUT function
Women of childbearing potential must not be intending to become pregnant, currently pregnant, or lactating. The following conditions apply:
i. Women of childbearing potential must have a confirmed negative pregnancy test prior to the baseline visit.
ii. Women of childbearing potential must agree to use adequate contraception during the period of the trial and for at least 28 days after completion of treatment. Effective contraception includes abstinence.
Sexually active males with female partners of childbearing potential must agree to use effective contraception during the period of the trial and for at least 28 days after completion of treatment.
Must provide informed consent.
Agrees to comply with all planned visits and assessments, adhere with established bowel and LUT routines and refrain from initiation of new medications for bowel and LUT management without notifying the Principal Investigator of this study.

You may not qualify if…

A participant who meets any of the following criteria will be ineligible to participate:
Clinically significant depression with thoughts of suicidal ideation (PHQ-9 total score above 20) or debilitating PTSD (PCL-5 total score above) or as judged by the investigator.
History of bladder augmentation or continent or incontinent urinary stoma or prior bladder surgery.
Exhibits signs of lower motor neuron injury (i.e., concomitant conus medullaris/cauda equina injury).
History of intradetrusor or intrasphincter onabotulinumtoxinA injections within 9 months of baseline visit.
Concurrent use of any medication or treatment that in the opinion of the investigator interferes with study outcomes.
Presence of cognitive impairments, social/psychological problems, or other comorbid conditions that, in the opinion of the Investigator, will preclude them from participation and completion of the study
Presence of severe acute medical issues that interfere with testing (e.g., stage 3/4 pressure ulcers, uncontrolled diabetes).
Contraindications for TSCS, such as:
1. Implanted Cardiac pacemaker 8.2 Implanted metal in the trunk or spinal cord 8.3 Intrathecal delivery system (e.g., baclofen pump) 8.4 Implanted central or peripheral neuromodulator
Medical condition that may put the participant at risk as determined by the investigator.
Participation in or plans to participate in another research study that may interfere with the study endpoints.

Where it is running

Blusson Spinal Cord Centre — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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