Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Using Non-invasive Brain and Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Arm and Hand Function After Spinal Cord Injury

This study aims to discover if combining gentle electrical pulses to the spinal cord with magnetic pulses to the brain can improve arm and hand function for people with long-term spinal cord injuries. Many people with these injuries find it hard to use their hands, which affects daily life. Researchers will test if this combined approach, alongside exercises like pinching and grasping, is safe and effective. Understanding how our brain and spinal cord work together is key to developing better treatments. Participants will receive either the combined treatment, spinal cord stimulation only, or a dummy treatment, over eight weeks, to see if it makes a difference.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2031

Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders (SCI/D)

What is this study about?

If you've had a spinal cord injury, especially in the neck area, you might find that it affects how well you can move your arms and hands. This is a common challenge, and improving arm and hand function is often a top priority for people. This study explores new, gentle ways to try and help restore some of that movement. Think of your brain and spinal cord as a super-highway of communication – an injury can disrupt that. This study is testing if we can improve those messages.

The study looks at two types of gentle stimulation. One uses small electrical currents on the skin over your spinal cord in your neck (called 'cervical transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation'). The other uses magnetic pulses to a part of your brain called the 'cerebellum' (known as 'cerebellar theta burst stimulation'). The cerebellum is important for coordination and movement. Researchers want to see if using these two types of stimulation together, along with regular exercises for your hands and arms, can be more effective than using just one or none at all.

Ultimately, this research aims to find out if this combined approach is safe, practical, and truly helps people with long-term spinal cord injury improve their arm and hand movements. The goal is to establish a clearer path for future treatments that could significantly improve daily life for many people.

Key takeaways

This study explores gentle brain and spinal cord stimulation for arm and hand movement.
It's for adults with stable, long-term spinal cord injuries in the neck.
You'll attend sessions three times a week for eight weeks, combining stimulation with exercises.
The study aims to see if combining treatments is safe and effective.
Participation could help improve your function and contribute to future treatments.
You won't know if you're getting real or dummy treatment (double-blind study).

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 19 and 75 who have had a spinal cord injury in their neck (from C2-C8) that's been stable for at least 12 months. Your injury must be classified as AIS B, C, or D. You should also be able to get approval from your doctor or therapist for arm and hand training.

There are some specific requirements regarding your current hand and arm strength, based on a score called GRASSP. You also need to be able to safely give your consent to take part. If you're taking medication for muscle spasms or pain, your dose must have been steady for at least four weeks before starting.

You won't be able to join if you have other serious medical conditions that might affect the study, like severe ongoing pain, certain mood issues, or other brain or nerve conditions like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. You also can't have any metal implants (other than dental work) in your head or any electrical devices in your body like pacemakers or pumps.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 19 and 75 years old?
Do you have a non-progressive spinal cord injury in your neck (C2-C8)?
Was your injury at least 12 months ago?
Has your doctor or therapist said you're suitable for arm and hand training?
Do you NOT have any metal implants (apart from dental) in your head, or electrical devices in your body like pacemakers?
Do you NOT have other serious nerve conditions like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be assigned to one of three groups by chance: one group will get both brain and spinal cord stimulation, another will get just spinal cord stimulation, and the third group will receive a 'dummy' or placebo stimulation (this helps us to know if the treatment is truly working). Everyone will also do specific exercises, like pinching and grasping, during their sessions.

You'll attend sessions three times a week for eight weeks. During these visits, the stimulation will be applied, and you'll do your exercises. Before and after this eight-week period, you'll have various assessments. These will include checking your arm and hand strength, how well you can control your movements using special computer-based tests, and some brain and spinal cord scans (like fMRI) to see how things are changing internally. The total time you'd be involved in the study, including all evaluations, will span several months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help improve your arm and hand function, although there's no guarantee the treatment will work for you. By participating, you'll also be helping researchers learn more about spinal cord injury and potentially contribute to developing better treatments for others in the future. As with any medical study, there are some potential risks, mainly related to the stimulation devices, such as minor skin irritation or temporary discomfort. The researchers will closely monitor you for any side effects. You are free to ask questions at any time and can leave the study at any point without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

University of British Columbia
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada

Common questions

What does 'non-invasive' mean?

'Non-invasive' means that no surgery is involved. The treatments involve devices placed on the skin or outside the head, not inside your body.

What is 'sham stimulation'?

Sham stimulation is like a dummy treatment. It feels similar to the real treatment but doesn't deliver the active stimulation. This helps researchers compare the real treatment's effects accurately.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or the sham?

No, this is a 'double-blind' study, meaning neither you nor the study staff will know which treatment you are receiving until after the study is over. This helps keep the results fair.

What are the exercises like?

The exercises will focus on improving movements you use every day, such as pinching, grasping, and reaching, to help regain practical hand and arm function.

Will I have to pay to join the study?

No, you should not have to pay to participate in the clinical trial. All study-related treatments and assessments are usually covered by the research study.

How to find out more

Raza Malik, PhD

boyd.lab@ubc.ca 604-827-3369 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.