Physiological Changes Induced Through MEP Conditioning in People With SCI

Launched by MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · Feb 24, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking for volunteers to help researchers understand how specific training can improve movement control in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). After an SCI, the connections between the brain and muscles, which are essential for movement, can be disrupted. The study aims to strengthen these connections through a brain-spinal cord-muscle training program. Participants will engage in activities like standing, sitting, and walking while their muscle activity is monitored with small electrodes on their skin. Researchers will also use a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation, which gently stimulates the brain without causing discomfort.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be at least one year post-injury and able to walk at least 10 meters, even with assistance. They should be medically stable and not have any serious health issues, cognitive impairments, or metal implants in their heads. The trial will involve around three sessions each week for four months, followed by fewer sessions for another three months, with each session lasting about an hour. This study could offer valuable insights into improving recovery and movement for those with SCI.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Neurologically stable (\>1 year post SCI)
• • Medical clearance to participate
• • Ability to ambulate at least 10 m with or without an assistive device (except for parallel bars)
• • Signs of weak ankle dorsiflexion at least unilaterally
• • Expectation that current medication will be maintained without change for at least 3 months; stable use of anti-spasticity medication is accepted
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • motoneuron injury
• • known cardiac condition (e.g., history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, pacemaker use)
• • medically unstable condition
• • cognitive impairment
• • history of epileptic seizures
• • metal implants in the cranium
• • implanted biomedical device in or above the ches (e.g., a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant)
• • no measurable MEP elicited
• • unable to produce any voluntary TA EMG activity
• • extensive use of functional electrical stimulation to the leg on a daily basis
• • pregnancy (due to changes in weight and posture and potential medical instability)