Actively Recruiting
Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation for Upper Extremity Function
Led by University of Alberta · Updated on 2026-04-13
30
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
289 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Alberta
Lead Sponsor
G
Glenrose Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (tcES) of the spinal cord has shown great promise in restoring upper extremity function after spinal cord injury (SCI). More recently, the use of invasive, epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord has also demonstrated promise in restoring upper extremity function post-stroke. However, the effect of stimulation parameters such as electrode configuration and stimulation frequency on excitability of the nervous system remains unknown preventing the opportunity to fully exploit this noninvasive stimulation paradigm. Additionally, the utility of noninvasive tcES in the stroke population remains unexplored. This project utilizes a comprehensive set of neurophysiological techniques, in combination with carefully chosen motor tasks, to directly link and assess the effects of stimulation parameters on neural excitability and upper extremity function during and following the delivery of cervical tcES in individuals with SCI and stroke. The fundamental knowledge gained from this project will ultimately improve the implementation of this novel and non-invasive neuromodulatory tool through an improved understanding of how tcES can facilitate recovery of function.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation for Upper Extremity Function
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Individuals aged 18 to 75 years
- For spinal cord injury (SCI) group: cervical injury level between C3 and C8
- At least 1 year since spinal cord injury
- Stable dose of spasmolytic or muscle relaxation medications for at least 4 weeks before screening if applicable
- For stroke group: any type of stroke causing partial upper extremity motor dysfunction
- At least 6 months since stroke
- At least 4 months since last botulinum toxin injection for spasticity or other conditions, or at most 2 months after study completion
- Stable dose of spasmolytic or muscle relaxation medications for at least 4 weeks before screening if applicable
You will not qualify if you...
- Pregnant women
- Aphasia or dysphasia
- Spasticity grade Modified Ashworth Scale of 3 or higher
- Presence of active or inactive implants such as pacemakers, defibrillators, ocular implants, deep brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, or implanted medication pumps
- Implanted conductive, ferromagnetic, or magnetic-sensitive metals in the head
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Taking medications that lower seizure threshold
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5G 0B7
Actively Recruiting
2
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G-2E1
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jessica D'Amico, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here