Spinal Neurorehabilitation for Veterans With SCI (NCT07222046) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Spinal Neurorehabilitation for Veterans With SCI
United States40 participantsStarted 2026-09-01
Plain-language summary
Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating disorder in Veterans and the broader U.S. population that does not have a cure. Veterans with severe SCI demonstrate permanent loss of sensory and motor function below their injury resulting in decreased quality of life and independence. Recently, electrical spinal neuromodulation has emerged as a potential approach to restore voluntary motor function and locomotion in persons with chronic SCI. However, spinal neuromodulation has yet to translate to clinical use due to small sample sizes in research studies and a lack of information on which patients would benefit. Here, the investigators propose a novel approach to evaluate the priorities and barriers faced by Veterans with SCI to use spinal neuromodulation, understand the neural connections remaining in Veterans with severe SCI, and determine potential functional improvements using non-invasive spinal neuromodulation technology. This research represents the first step towards deploying techniques that could dramatically improve function and quality of life for Veterans with SCI.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* All participants must be able to independently read and understand study information materials necessary to ensure informed consent.
* All participants must have a chronic spinal cord injury occurring \>1 year prior to study enrollment.
* Ability to follow simple commands in English.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Contraindications to the use of external magnetic or electrical stimulation (e.g., epilepsy, intracranial metal, implanted electrosensitive device, etc.)
* Significant neurological comorbidities that may affect neurophysiological recordings
* Functional disability prior to spinal cord injury
* Visual or auditory disorders limiting ability to participate in study procedures
* Pregnancy
* Primary psychiatric disorders or dissociative mental symptoms that impair informed consent
* Significant chronic pain that may preclude an MRI scan or performing neurorehabilitation exercises
* Frequent and significant spasticity that may preclude an MRI scan or neurorehabilitation exercises.
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
1
Axial completeness of chronic spinal cord injury based on spine MRI
Timeframe: 5 years
2
Sagittal completeness of chronic spinal cord injury based on spine MRI
Timeframe: 5 years
3
Presence of descending connections in chronic spinal cord injury based on transcranial magnetic stimulation
Timeframe: 5 years
4
Presence of ascending connections in chronic spinal cord injury based on somatosensory evoked potentials.