Investigating the Impact of Spinal Cord Electrical Stimulation Combined With Individualized Physical Therapy on Lower Extremity Function in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Launched by LIAN-CING YAN, MSPT · Jun 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how well two different treatments help people with spinal cord injuries improve the use of their legs. One treatment combines a special kind of electrical stimulation on the spinal cord with personalized physical therapy, and the other treatment is personalized physical therapy alone. The goal is to see if adding electrical stimulation helps people regain better movement and function in their lower limbs compared to physical therapy by itself.

People who may join this study are adults between 20 and 70 years old with a spinal cord injury located in the middle or lower back area (between the T1 and L2 vertebrae). Their injury should be stable for at least three months, and they need to be able to take part in regular one-on-one physical therapy sessions several times a week for at least three weeks. Participants must be fully awake, understand the study, and agree to join. People with serious brain injuries, other major neurological problems, certain medical devices like pacemakers, or those who are pregnant cannot join. If you take part, you can expect to receive either the combined electrical stimulation and physical therapy or physical therapy alone, with regular assessments to track your progress. This study is not yet recruiting but aims to find better ways to help people with spinal cord injuries improve leg movement and independence.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged between 20 and 70 years.
• • Diagnosed with spinal cord injury, classified as ASIA Grade A-D.
• • Neurological level of injury between T1 and L2.
• • Spinal cord injury has stabilized (for at least 3 months).
• • Currently receiving standard treatment at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital and referred by a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon to receive spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and/or individualized physical therapy.
• • Capable of participating in one-on-one physical therapy sessions 3 to 5 times per week, and assessed by the medical team as able to complete at least a 3 weeks course of treatment.
• • Fully conscious, able to understand the study information, and willing to sign the consent form and participate in the full assessment process.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with severe brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, or other major neurological disorders.
• • Those with severe fractures, joint contractures, or conditions preventing participation in lower limb training.
• • Individuals with a cardiac pacemaker or who are pregnant.
• • Those unable to comply with the treatment or assessment procedures.