Actively Recruiting
Chronic Transcutaneous Stimulation to Promote Motor Function and Recovery in Individuals With Paralysis or Paresis
Led by Northwell Health · Updated on 2026-03-11
64
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
395 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This is an early feasibility trial to determine whether transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation, with or without transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation, using an investigational neurostimulation device improves functional arm/hand movements in individuals with paralysis or paresis due to a spinal cord injury or stroke and improves functional arm/hand or leg/foot movements in individuals with paralysis or paresis due to other brain or nerve injuries. In this study, eligible individuals that agree to participate will be asked to attend up to 5 study sessions a week for 1 year (depending on participant availability), with each session lasting up to 4 hours. At the first study session, participants will have their demographic information collected, vital signs assessed, and have measurements performed of their limbs and torso, as appropriate. They will also undergo clinical evaluations and tests to assess their current functional movement and sensation capabilities. During subsequent study sessions, participants will undergo many tasks designed to improve functional movements in paralyzed limbs. Specifically, participants will receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation to the limb(s) and/or electrical stimulation to the spinal cord to evoke specified movements. The stimulation parameters and locations on the spinal column and/or limb(s) that evoke specific movements will be noted. The movements will be assessed with visual inspection, electromyography, and/or sensors. The clinical evaluations and tests to assess functional movement and sensation capabilities will be repeated throughout the study and at the last study session to assess for functional improvements compared to the first study session. Upon completion of these study sessions, the individual's participation in the study is considered complete.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Chronic Transcutaneous Stimulation to Promote Motor Function and Recovery in Individuals With Paralysis or Paresis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Individuals between 18 and 75 years of age
- Individuals without physical disabilities or conditions that prevent completing the study tasks or increase risk of harm (for healthy volunteers)
- Individuals able to use at least one hand with limited ability due to spinal cord injury or stroke
- Individuals at least six months post-stroke or one year post-spinal cord injury
- Individuals with limited or no ability to use at least one limb due to brain or nerve injury such as traumatic brain injury, brachial plexus injury, peripheral nerve damage, or Parkinson's Disease
- Individuals proficient in English to follow verbal commands
- Individuals able to understand study goals and procedures and provide informed consent
- Individuals willing and able to attend up to 5 sessions per week for up to 1 year, with sessions lasting up to 4 hours
You will not qualify if you...
- Participation in another study that could affect results
- Presence of stage III-IV pressure ulcers interfering with study involvement
- History of epilepsy
- Having a chronically implanted electronic medical device (e.g., deep brain stimulator, pacemaker)
- Abnormalities in arms, hands, legs, feet, or spine preventing electrical stimulation
- Dependence on a ventilator
- History of serious mood or thought disorder
- Uncontrolled autonomic dysreflexia
- Severe spasticity in limbs of interest not controlled by medication or preventing electrical stimulation
- Botulinum toxin injections in limbs of interest within 3 months
- Active cancer near stimulation areas
- History of heart or kidney disease
- Additional neurological diseases (e.g., multiple strokes, multiple sclerosis)
- Other serious infections or diseases affecting participation (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, rheumatic disease, peripheral neuropathy, HIV/AIDS)
- Substance abuse problems
- Pregnancy
- Prisoner status
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Northwell Health's The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Manhasset, New York, United States, 11030
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Erona Ibroci, MPH
CONTACT
C
Chad E Bouton, MS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
DEVICE_FEASIBILITY
Number of Arms
4
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