Improve Dynamic Lateral Balance of Humans With SCI

Launched by SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB · Dec 12, 2016

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking to find out if a new type of therapy can help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) improve their balance and ability to walk. The study will involve three groups: one group will receive a special training that involves moving the pelvis along with a technique called transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS), another group will get the same pelvis training but with a placebo (or sham) treatment, and the third group will do treadmill training only.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be between 18 and 65 years old and have a spinal cord injury at a specific level (between C4 and T10). They should be able to walk on a treadmill for over 20 minutes with some support and can walk at least 10 meters without special braces that cross the knee. People with certain health issues or recent surgeries may not qualify. Participants will receive detailed information about what to expect during the study and will be closely monitored to ensure safety throughout the trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. age between 18 and 65 years;
• • 2. medically stable with medical clearance to participate;
• • 3. level of the SCI lesion between C4-T10;
• • 4. passive range of motion of the legs within functional limits of ambulation;
• • 5. ability to walk on a treadmill for more than 20 minutes with partial body weight support as needed and short sitting/standing breaks;
• • 6. ability to ambulate without orthotics or with orthotics that do not cross the knee for more than 10 meters
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. the presence of unhealed decubiti, existing infection, severe cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, concomitant central or peripheral neurological injury (e.g. traumatic head injury or peripheral nerve damage in lower limbs);
• • 2. history of recurrent fractures and/or known orthopedic injury to the lower extremities;
• • 3. Botox injection within 6 months of starting the study, and current receiving physical therapy treatment;
• • 4. have metallic implantation in the spinal region underneath where electrodes may be placed.