Neuromodulation to Enhance Motor Function in HSP (NCT07417943) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Neuromodulation to Enhance Motor Function in HSP
United States15 participantsStarted 2026-04-09
Plain-language summary
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a rare neurological condition that causes stiffness, weakness, and difficulty walking due to damage in the nerves that control movement. This study will test whether a noninvasive form of spinal cord stimulation, called transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), can improve walking and reduce muscle stiffness in adults with HSP.
In this study, participants will receive tSCS twice a week for 8 weeks. The stimulation is delivered through self-adhesive electrodes placed on the skin over the lower back and does not require surgery. Each session will last about one hour. After the treatment period, participants will be followed for an additional 8 weeks without stimulation to see whether any improvements are maintained. Researchers will measure walking speed, walking endurance, muscle stiffness, and overall disease severity. Additional tests will explore changes in bladder and bowel function and muscle strength.
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:
* Clinical diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia (genetic confirmation if available).
* Stable medications for spasticity and other neurologic symptoms for =4 weeks prior to enrollment.
* Able to participate in study visits and assessments with or without assistive devices.
* If ambulatory: able to walk at least 10 meters with or without an assistive device.
* If wheelchair user: able to perform seated mobility tasks and transfers required for assessments.
* Capacity to provide informed consent and follow study procedures, with an ability to communicate and understand instructions in English
Exclusion Criteria:
* Implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker, deep brain stimulator, intrathecal pumps).
* Severe cardiopulmonary disease that would make participation unsafe.
* Open skin lesions or severe dermatologic conditions at electrode sites.
* Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during the intervention period.
* Diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) or another neurological condition that affects walking, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), or a recent surgery on legs.
* Unable to participate in basic movement or mobility assessments, even with their usual mobility device (such as a wheelchair, walker, or cane). People who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids can participate if they can complete the study's mobility assessments in their usual way.
* Cognitive or psychiatric conditions that make it difficult to give informed conse…
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.