Actively Recruiting
Upper Limb Spinal Cord Stimulation for Rehabilitation Enhancement
Led by University College, London · Updated on 2025-12-10
18
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
250 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University College, London
Lead Sponsor
R
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
In the United Kingdom, there are more than 1000 new cases of spinal cord injury (SCI) each year, with around half of these injuries affecting the cervical spine. People who have reduced function and control affecting their upper limbs may have difficulty carrying out activities of daily living (ADLs), significantly affecting their independence. Recovering even partial upper limb function is a top priority among tetraplegics. Regaining voluntary function in the upper limb can have a huge impact on quality of life. Using TSCS in the upper limb for acute SCI can benefit patients early in their rehabilitation, and may reduce the number of patients with problematic spasticity at discharge. Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) may provide a low-cost method of improving function and spasticity in this cohort. The aim of this feasibility study is to assess and compare the impact of adding TSCS to the standard rehabilitation of inpatients with acute SCI, compared to a sham (placebo) TSCS intervention added to standard rehabilitation, in an effort to enhance upper limb control and function.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Upper Limb Spinal Cord Stimulation for Rehabilitation Enhancement
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Over the age of 18
- Recent spinal cord injury and currently an inpatient at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
- Spinal cord injury level between C1 and C8
- American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A to D
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Presence of a cardiac pacemaker
- Active device at the site of stimulating electrodes
- Any other musculoskeletal condition affecting the upper limbs
- Spinal malignancy or spinal cord injury caused by cancer
- Auto-immune disorders
- Ongoing infections
- Uncontrolled autonomic dysreflexia
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Neurological degenerative diseases
- Peripheral nerve damage affecting the upper limbs
- Participation in another conflicting research study
- Inability to tolerate transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation during the first session
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
London, United Kingdom, HA7 4LP
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Joseph Steel, BSc
CONTACT
S
Sarah Massey, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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