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Spinal Stimulation for Upper Extremity Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

This study is looking at whether non-invasive spinal stimulation combined with a home exercise program can help improve arm and hand function in people who have had a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) within the last 12 months. You would be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either starting the spinal stimulation and exercise program right away, or starting it after a 12-week wait. The study aims to see if this approach is safe, practical, and tolerable, and how it affects your upper extremity function. To join, you need to be 18 or older, have a traumatic SCI at levels C1-C8, and have a caregiver to help with sessions and training. The main way success is measured is by changes in your arm and hand abilities, as reported on a questionnaire. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 46 participants. You would be randomly assigned to either receive the intervention immediately or after a 12-week wait.
What's involved
Your participation is expected to last about 31-33 hours over a 13-25-week period. This includes attending three in-person sessions and ongoing training at home.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your upper extremity function will be measured at Weeks 0, 8, 12, 21, and 25.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06743607

Spinal Stimulation for Upper Extremity Recovery in the Home

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Craig Hospital
~46 participants
Updated 2026-03-31 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Immediate InterventionWaitlist control

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Capabilities of Upper Extremity Questionnaire (CUE-Q)
Measured over Weeks 0, 8, 12, 21, and 25

Conditions

Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Explore related trials

Cervical spinal cord injury

NCT06743607

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Craig Hospital

    Englewood, Coloradostudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Who to contact

Candy Tefertiller, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS
[email protected]
303-789-8000
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18 or older
History of traumatic SCI
Less than 12 months post SCI
SCI injury level C1-C8
SCI categorized as AIS B-D
Have passive range of motion (ROM) within functional limits at wrists, shoulders, and elbows
Have caregiver support to attend three in-person sessions and ongoing training at home
Have a caregiver who, in the judgment of the research team, is qualified to assist the participant in the safe use of TSS
Able to complete in-person training sessions and return to Craig Hospital for assessments
Experience no complicating physical or cognitive conditions as determined by their physician that would preclude the safe use of electrical stimulation
If using prescribed anti-spasticity medications, must be at a stable dose for at least four weeks prior to starting study procedures
Agrees to comply with investigational devices instructions for use, protocol visits, and return of the device
Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion

Experience unstable chronic cardiac or respiratory complaints
Have a recent history of fracture, contractures, or skin pressure injuries that might interfere with the intervention
Received Botox injections to the UEs, neck, or hands within the last three months
Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding
Have breakdown in skin area that will come into contact with electrodes
Prior nerve or tendon transfer procedure for the UEs
Concurrently are participating in another drug or device trial that may interfere with this study
Have an implanted pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, deep brain stimulator, or intrathecal pump
In the opinion of the investigators, the study is not safe or appropriate for the participant

What this trial measures

  • Capabilities of Upper Extremity Questionnaire (CUE-Q)Weeks 0, 8, 12, 21, and 25

    The CUE-Q version 2.1 measures functional limitation and perceived difficulty of performing actions with upper extremities in individuals with tetraplegia. The CUE-Q has 32 items; each scored on a 1-to-7-point scale representing self-perceived difficulty with total scores ranging from 32 to 224 (higher scores demonstrating greater UE function) and right and left scores assessed separately