Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Time-effect of FEST+TST in the Upper-extremity Rehabilitation of Individuals with Traumatic SCI

This research study is investigating the impact of when a specific therapy is given to people who have recently experienced a spinal cord injury. The therapy, called FEST+TST, combines gentle electrical stimulation with tailored exercises to help improve movement and feeling in the arms and hands. Researchers want to find out if starting this treatment at different times after the injury makes a difference to how well people recover. The study hopes to uncover the best window for providing this rehabilitation to help individuals regain as much function as possible after a spinal cord injury, ultimately improving their daily lives.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2028

Spinal Cord Injuries

What is this study about?

This study is about helping people recover movement and feeling in their arms and hands after a spinal cord injury. When someone has a spinal cord injury, the messages between their brain and body can be disrupted, leading to weakness or paralysis. This research is trying to find the best way to use a special kind of therapy that involves gentle electrical currents and specific exercises, to help people get better.

The therapy is called FEST+TST. FEST stands for functional electrical stimulation, which means using small electrical pulses to make muscles work, even if the brain isn't sending full signals. TST means task-specific training, which involves practicing everyday movements and actions. The main question this study wants to answer is whether the *timing* of when this therapy starts after the injury makes a big difference to how much someone can recover.

The findings from this study could be very important. If we can understand the best time to start this therapy, it means doctors and therapists can give people the most effective treatment to regain hand and arm function. This could help people become more independent in their daily lives, improve their quality of life, and offer new hope for recovery after a spinal cord injury.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new therapy for recent spinal cord injuries.
It combines electrical stimulation with special exercises (FEST+TST).
Researchers want to know if starting the therapy at different times affects recovery.
The goal is to improve arm and hand movement and daily independence.
Your participation could help improve future treatments for spinal cord injury.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who have recently had a spinal cord injury affecting their neck area. Specifically, participants need to have had their injury within the last three months, and it must be a type of injury where they still have some movement or feeling below the injury level, even if it's limited.

There are several reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have other medical conditions that would make the treatment difficult or unsafe, or if you have certain other nerve diseases. The study also cannot include individuals with significant long-term mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or serious problems with drug or alcohol use in the recent past.

Also, if you have very severe hearing or vision problems that would make it hard to do the tests, or if you have any metal in your body that prevents you from having an MRI scan (a type of body scan), you wouldn't be able to take part. These rules are in place to make sure the study is safe for everyone involved and that the results are clear and reliable.

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.

Did your spinal cord injury happen less than three months ago?
Does your spinal cord injury affect your neck, and do you still have some movement or feeling below the injury, even if it's not perfect?
Are you generally healthy, without other serious medical or nerve conditions?
Do you not have any metal in your body that would prevent an MRI scan?
Are you able to hear and see well enough to follow instructions and complete tests?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed involvement for participants isn't fully described, but typically, taking part in a study like this would involve regular visits to a medical centre. During these visits, you would receive the FEST+TST therapy, which combines electrical stimulation with targeted exercises for your arms and hands. You would also undergo various assessments to measure your progress, such as checks on your movement, strength, and sensation. These assessments would help the researchers understand how the treatment is affecting your recovery. The total duration of your participation, including how often and for how long you'd have therapy and assessments, would be explained in full detail by the research team if you are eligible and interested.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the potential benefit of receiving an innovative rehabilitation therapy that could improve your arm and hand function after a spinal cord injury. While risks are generally low for electrical stimulation and exercise-based therapies, there might be some temporary discomfort, skin irritation from electrodes, or muscle soreness, similar to starting a new exercise routine. All procedures would be explained thoroughly, and your safety is paramount. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Lyndhurst Centre, KITE - TRI UHN
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury happens when there's damage to the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves running down your back. This damage can stop messages from travelling between your brain and the rest of your body, affecting movement and feeling.

What is 'functional electrical stimulation' (FES)?

FES uses small, safe electrical currents to gently stimulate your muscles. This helps to make them contract and move, even if your brain isn't fully communicating with them after an injury.

What is 'task-specific training'?

This is a type of exercise where you practice specific, everyday tasks, like picking up objects or writing, to help you regain skills and improve coordination after an injury.

Will I get better if I join this study?

The study aims to find out if this therapy works best at certain times. We cannot guarantee individual results, but your participation will help us learn more and potentially improve future treatments for others.

Is the electrical stimulation painful?

The electrical stimulation is typically described as a tingling or buzzing sensation. It is usually not painful, and the levels are adjusted to be comfortable for you.

How to find out more

Lamisa Etu, BSc

lamisafaria.etu@uhn.ca 4165973422 Official trial record

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