Rebuilding Inter-limb Transfer in Cervical SCI

Launched by THE CLEVELAND CLINIC · Jun 3, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Rebuilding Inter-limb Transfer in Cervical SCI," is exploring a new approach to help people with cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI) improve their movement and hand skills. The study will look at how a technique called paired neurostimulation, combined with specific training exercises, can help patients transfer skills between their arms. Researchers are interested in seeing if this method can enhance the ability to perform activities that require quick and coordinated arm movements.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 65, have a spinal cord injury at specific levels (C4 to C8), and have some movement ability in both hands. Participants should have had their injury for at least one year and show some recovery in hand function. Those who have certain medical conditions or treatments that might interfere with the study will not be eligible. If you join the trial, you can expect to participate in training sessions that focus on improving your motor skills, while also receiving neurostimulation to help enhance your progress. This study is currently recruiting, so it’s a great opportunity for eligible individuals to explore new ways to regain function and improve their quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Neurological Level of Injury C4, C5, C6, C7, C8
• • American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) C-D
• • greater than or equal to 1 year time post injury
• • residual motor sparing of bilateral FDI muscles, defined as medical research council (MRC) grade 2 to 5
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) including pacemaker, metal in the skull, seizure history, pregnancy, etc.
• • history of alcohol and/or drug abuse
• • current usage of medications that can potentially lower the seizure threshold such as bupropion, amphetamines, etc.
• • history of other neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's, and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• • active pressure ulcers to avoid disruption of ongoing medical treatments
• • participation of on-going upper-limb therapies to minimize confounding effects
• • excessive tone/spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale \[MAS\] \>3) and severe contractures or soft tissue shortening at elbow/wrist/fingers

Trial Officials