Neurostimulation for Respiratory Function After Spinal Cord Injury

This study is exploring how neurostimulation and respiratory training might improve breathing after a cervical (neck) spinal cord injury (SCI). Researchers want to understand the connections between the brain, nerves, and diaphragm (the main breathing muscle). You might be eligible if you are 18-85 years old, had a C1-C5 SCI at least 6 months ago, and have breathing difficulties, such as needing mechanical ventilation or having reduced lung capacity (vital capacity < 80%). The study will measure changes in nerve signals to muscles (Motor evoked potentials or MEPs) and muscle strength (Maximum Voluntary Contractions or MVCs) to see if the treatment helps. The study aims to enroll 10 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 10 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You would complete a maximum of 55 study visits, including about 40 treatment sessions. Each treatment session involves multiple neurostimulation sessions followed by about 60 minutes of respiratory training.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
MEPs and MVCs will be measured at baseline, after 20 sessions (7 weeks), and after 40 sessions (14 weeks) of treatment.

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NCT05756894

Neurostimulation for Respiratory Function After Spinal Cord Injury

Recruiting
NAAges 18–85InterventionalTreatment
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
~10 participants
Updated 2025-04-04 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:NeurostimulationRepiratory training

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Motor evoked potentials (MEPs)
Measured over MEPs measured at baseline, 7 weeks (20 sessions), and 14 weeks (40 sessions) of STDP stimulation and respiratory training for the participants during study procedures.
+1 more outcome measured
Spinal Cord Injuries
Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Respiratory Function Impaired
1 sites across 1 states
Illinois1
  • Monica A Perez, PT, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

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  • Change in Motor evoked potentials (MEPs)MEPs measured at baseline, 7 weeks (20 sessions), and 14 weeks (40 sessions) of STDP stimulation and respiratory training for the participants during study procedures.

    Transcranial magnetic stimuli (TMS) will be delivered to the optimal scalp position for activation of the diaphragm muscle. The optimal scalp position will be determined by moving the coil in small steps along the diaphragm representation of the primary motor cortex to find the region where the largest MEP can be evoked with the minimum intensity in the targeted muscles.

  • Change in Maximum Voluntary Contractions (MVCs)MVCs measured at baseline, 7 weeks (20 sessions), and 14 weeks (40 sessions) of STDP stimulation and respiratory training for the participants during study procedures.

    Individuals will perform a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of diaphragm muscle through surface electrodes secured to the skin over the chest and belly region.