Transcutaneous Stimulation for Neurological Populations

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · Jul 9, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a special type of stimulation applied to the spinal cord can help improve walking abilities in people with certain neurological conditions, like cerebral palsy and stroke. The researchers want to see if this non-invasive stimulation, which has been helpful for people with spinal cord injuries, can also make a positive difference for others who have similar difficulties with movement. The main goals are to assess how this stimulation affects things like muscle stiffness and walking, as well as to gather feedback from participants about their experiences with the treatment.

To participate in the trial, individuals need to have a neurological condition that allows them to walk at least 20 yards, whether or not they use a walking aid. They should also be able to follow simple instructions and have stable health. Participants will go through a training program that lasts up to 8 weeks, with some receiving only training and others receiving training plus the spinal stimulation. After the main treatment, there will be follow-up visits to check on progress. This study is currently recruiting participants aged 14 to 65, and it's important for anyone interested to have the support they need to attend multiple sessions each week for the duration of the trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • have a neurologic condition
• • can walk 20 yards, with or without an assistive device
• • have stable medical condition
• • are capable of performing simple cued motor tasks and who can follow 2-3 step commands
• • have ability to attend up to 5 sessions per week physical therapy sessions and testing activities
• • have adequate social support to be able to participate in training and assessment sessions, up to 5 sessions per week, for the duration of up to 11 months within the study period.
• • who are volunteering to be involved in this study
• • can read and speak English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • have significant medical disease; including uncontrolled systemic hypertension with values above 170/100 mmHg; cardiac or pulmonary disease; uncorrected coagulation abnormalities or need for therapeutic anticoagulation.
• • have cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disease or injury that would prevent full participation in physical therapy intervention
• • have a history of uncontrolled seizures
• • have unhealed fracture or other musculoskeletal impairment that might interfere with lower extremity rehabilitation or testing activities
• • are dependent on ventilation support
• • have implanted stimulator (e.g. epidural stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator, pacemaker, cochlear implant, etc) or drug delivery device (e.g. baclofen pump)
• • have history of orthopedic surgery in lower extremities or neurosurgery that may be a confounding factor for interpretation of the results (such as tendon transfer, tendon or muscle lengthening for spasticity management, injection therapies to lower extremity muscles, etc.) in last 12 months
• • have established osteoporosis and taking medication for osteoporosis treatment.
• • have rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.)
• • have active cancer