Safety and Feasibility of Paired taVNS With Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of transcutaneous auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) paired with upper-limb rehabilitation in adults with tetraplegia caused by cervical spinal cord injury.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of traumatic incomplete (AIS B-D) cervical spinal cord injury (C8 and above) * at least 12 months post-traumatic SCI but less than 10 years post-SCI * demonstrate some residual movement in the upper limb (e.g., able to perform pinch movement with thumb and index finger sufficient to grip small objects such as marble) Exclusion Criteria: * non-traumatic SCI * recent ear trauma and skin lesions at the site of stimulation, such as sunburn, cuts, and open sores, * facial or ear pain, * allergic reaction to adhesives and electrodes, * any current or past history o…
Interventions
- DeviceTranscutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS)
Participants will receive 18 goal-directed upper extremity rehabilitation therapy sessions with paired taVNS over six weeks, followed by a 90-day home exercise program.
Locations (2)
- Neurorecovery Research Center, TIRR MHHHouston, Texas
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHouston, Texas