Training to Reduce Spinal Reflex Activity and Improve Movement After Spinal Cord Injury

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a reflex training system designed to change the size of a targeted spinal reflex in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury SCI who experience leg spasticity. The study aims to validate whether this new system can effectively decrease hyperactive spinal stretch reflex activity, which contributes to spasticity. About 25 participants who meet the criteria will take part in this interventional study lasting approximately six months with around 45 visits. Participants will undergo 6 baseline sessions followed by 30 conditioning sessions where the soleus H-reflex is trained to decrease activity. This operant conditioning intervention focuses on reducing the hyperactive spinal reflex pathway to potentially improve motor function. Researchers will compare the changes achieved with this new system to previous results from older training systems. The intervention is behavioral and involves training participants to reduce reflex activity. During the study, participants will have their reflex activity measured through H-reflex amplitude before baseline, after completing intervention sessions about 10 weeks, and at 1 and 3 months post-intervention. Walking speed and distance will be assessed using the 10-meter Walk Test and 6-minute walk test. Additional assessments include walking assistance needs, spasticity levels, balance, functional independence, quality of life, muscle strength, and joint range of motion. Medication use will be monitored throughout, and participants will attend about 45 visits over six months for training and evaluations.

Operant Conditioning of Spinal Reflexes Training System--Reflex Operant Down Conditioning