CompletedEarly Phase 1

Effects of 4-AP on Functional SCI Recovery

United States26 participantsStarted 2022-06-30

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to test a strategy to potentiate functional recovery of lower limb motor function in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The FDA approved drug, Dalfampridine (4-AP). 4-AP will be used in combination of Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) stimulation and STDP stimulation with limb training.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 85 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male and females between ages 18-85 years * SCI at least 4 weeks post injury * Spinal Cord injury at or above L2 * ASIA A,B,C, or D, complete or incomplete * Possess the following abilities * The ability to perform a small visible contraction with dorsiflexion and hip flexor muscles Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled medical problems including pulmonary, cardiovascular or orthopedic disease * Any history of renal impairment * Any debilitating disease prior to the SCI that caused exercise intolerance * Premorbid, ongoing major depression or psychosis, altered cognitive status * History of head injury or stroke * Vascular, traumatic, tumoral, infectious, or metabolic lesion of the brain, even without history of seizure, and without anticonvulsant medication * History of seizures or epilepsy * Receiving drugs acting primarily on the central nervous system, which lower the seizure threshold (see appendix 2) * Pregnant females * If a women of child bearing age is unsure of the pregnancy, and does not want to take the pregnancy test Ongoing cord compression or a syrinx in the spinal cord or who suffer from a spinal cord disease such as spinal stenosis, spina bifida, MS, or herniated disk * Metal plate in skull * Individuals with scalp shrapnel, cochlear implants, or aneurysm clips * Individuals taking Bupropion, Dolutegravir, Lacosamide, Trilaciclib, or PR Interval prolonging drugs

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in TMEPs

Timeframe: TMEPs measured at baseline and 3 weeks (10 sessions) for Dalfampridine+STDP+training and Placebo+STDP+training groups. TMEPs measured at baseline, 6 weeks (20 sessions), and 12 weeks (40 sessions) for extended sessions group.

Change in MVC

Timeframe: MVC measured at baseline and 3 weeks (10 sessions) for Dalfampridine+STDP+training and Placebo+STDP+training groups. MVC measured at baseline, 6 weeks (20 sessions), and 12 weeks (40 sessions) for extended sessions group.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05447676

SponsorShirley Ryan AbilityLab

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-06-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Spinal Cord Injury trials