Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation and Gait Training to Improve Mobility and Motor Control in Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury
Kessler Foundation
Summary
The purpose of this research study is to assess the effects of receiving transcutaneous spinal stimulation while performing walking exercises compared to completing walking exercises without spinal stimulation for individuals with hemiplegic TBI.
Description
The fundamental hypothesis guiding this proposal is that transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation combined with gait training for individuals with hemiplegic TBI will lead to improved: modulation of corticospinal networks, functional mobility, gait symmetry, standing posture, balance, and motor efficiency compared to gait training with sham stimulation.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Have weakness on at least one side of my body. * No injury to my unaffected side in 6 months. * Be cleared by a physician to participate in this study. * Have had a non-penetrating TBI at least 2 years ago. A non-penetrating injury is an injury where my skull remained closed and no object entered it. * Have enough strength to use a hemiwalker or walker. * Be between 18-65 years of age. * Be medically stable for at least 6 months before enrolling. This means that I have not had an emergency room visit, hospitalization, or medical procedure (such as a surgery) during this…
Interventions
- ProcedureTranscutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation
A portable transcutaneous spine stimulator (Digitimer ®, USA) will supply biphasic stimulation superficial to the thoracolumbar spine.
- OtherSham
A portable transcutaneous spine stimulator (Digitimer ®, USA) will be applied superficially with no electrical current.
Locations (2)
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLabChicago, Illinois
- Kessler FoundationWest Orange, New Jersey