Closed-loop Spinal Stimulation for Restoration of Upper Extremity Function After Spinal Cord Injury
University of Washington
Summary
The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of non-invasive (transcutaneous) closed-loop electrical spinal cord stimulation for recovery of upper limb function (Aim 1) and spasticity (Aim 2) following spinal cord injury.
Description
After being informed about the purpose, study timeline, and procedures, all participants giving written informed consent will undergo repeated baseline measurements throughout four weeks, followed by intensive exercise therapy for six weeks. Next, participants will receive (1) closed-loop stimulation and (2) open-loop stimulation treatment for Aim 1 Section of the study. Stimulation will be delivered non-invasively using skin electrodes on the back of the neck. Each treatment arm will last six weeks. The investigators will determine the order of the treatment arms randomly. For closed-loop st…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. has cervical (C8 or higher), incomplete (American Spinal Cord Injury Impairment Scale - C or D) traumatic spinal cord injury, minimum 1-year post-injury 2. has difficulty with hand functions in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, grooming, feeding) 3. stable medical condition without cardiopulmonary disease or autonomic dysreflexia that would contraindicate participation in upper extremity rehabilitation or testing activities 4. capable of performing simple cued motor tasks 5. has ability to attend intervention/functional task training and assessment sessions 3…
Interventions
- DeviceOpen-loop Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation will be applied continuously over the skin throughout the intervention session.
- DeviceClose-loop Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation will start and stop based on the signals that come from the sensors placed on upper limb muscle surfaces.
- OtherFunctional Task Practice
Exercise therapy consists of repeated functional hand and arm movements
Location
- University of WashingtonSeattle, Washington