Corticospinal Function After Spinal Cord Injury

Launched by SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB · May 21, 2015

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring ways to improve movement in people who have experienced spinal cord injuries, particularly focusing on how the brain communicates with the muscles to help with tasks like reaching and grasping. The researchers aim to develop new techniques that could enhance the remaining connections between the brain and muscles, ultimately helping individuals regain better control of their arm and hand movements after injury.

To participate in this study, candidates should be between 18 and 85 years old, have a spinal cord injury at the neck level (C8 or above) for at least six months, and still have some ability to reach for objects. Healthy individuals who can meet similar requirements are also welcome to join as control participants. Those who have significant medical issues or a history of certain neurological conditions may not be eligible. Participants can expect to take part in assessments that will help researchers understand how to best support recovery of motor function.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• * Inclusion criteria for individuals with SCI:
• • 1. Male and females between 18-85 years,
• • 2. Chronic SCI (≥ 6 months post injury),
• • 3. Cervical injury at C8 or above,
• • 4. Intact or impaired but not absent innervations in dermatomes C6, C7, and C8 using the American Spinal Injury Association sensory scores, and
• • 5. Ability to reach and grasp a small object located at least 8 cm forward, above, and laterally without leaning forward with the trunk
• Inclusion criteria for healthy controls:
• • 1. Male and females between 18-85 years,
• • 2. Right handed,
• • 3. Ability to reach and grasp a small object located at least 8 cm forward, above, and laterally without leaning forward with the trunk
• Exclusion Criteria:
• * Exclusion criteria for individuals with SCI and Healthy Controls:
• • 1. Uncontrolled medical problems including pulmonary, cardiovascular or orthopedic disease
• • 2. Any debilitating disease prior to the SCI that caused exercise intolerance
• • 3. Premorbid, ongoing major depression or psychosis, altered cognitive status
• • 4. History of head injury or stroke
• • 5. Pacemaker
• • 6. Metal plate in skull
• • 7. History of seizures
• • 8. Receiving drugs acting primarily on the central nervous system, which lower the seizure threshold such as antipsychotic drugs (chlorpromazine, clozapine) or tricyclic antidepressants
• • 9. Pregnant females
• • 10. Ongoing cord compression or a syrinx in the spinal cord or who suffer from a spinal cord disease such as spinal stenosis, spina bifida or herniated cervical disk.
• • 11. History of brain tumor and or brain infection