The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of non-invasive (transcutaneous) closed-loop electrical spinal cord stimulation for recovery of upper limb function (Aim 1) and spasticity (Aim 2) following spinal cord injury.
has cervical (C8 or higher), incomplete (American Spinal Cord Injury Impairment Scale - C or D) traumatic spinal cord injury, minimum 1-year post-injury
has difficulty with hand functions in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, grooming, feeding)
stable medical condition without cardiopulmonary disease or autonomic dysreflexia that would contraindicate participation in upper extremity rehabilitation or testing activities
capable of performing simple cued motor tasks
dependent on ventilation support
has implanted stimulator (e.g., pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, cochlear implant, etc.) or baclofen pump
has metallic devices and implants in the head (e.g., deep brain stimulators, aneurysm clips/coils, and stents, vagus nerve stimulators)
has a history or current signs/symptoms of syringomyelia (progressive pain, muscle weakness, and/or sensory loss; deterioration of bowel/bladder function)
University of Washington
Lead sponsor
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
Collaborator