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Transcutaneous vs Epidural Spinal Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Rajiv Saigal, MD, PhD
Research Sponsored by University of Washington
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Have a spinal cord injury at least one-year duration
Are willing and able to have surgical implantation of the epidural stimulator for the treatment of pain according to the study timeline
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 8-11 months
Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial will compare skin-surface transcutaneous stimulation with implanted epidural stimulation for improving lower extremity function in people with incomplete spinal cord injuries.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 21-70 with a spinal cord injury of at least one year who experience chronic pain and have difficulty with leg functions. They must be able to attend regular therapy sessions, have social support, and agree to potential surgical implantation of an epidural stimulator. Exclusions include those with certain neuropathies, cardiovascular issues, implanted devices, substance abuse problems, severe osteoporosis or mental health conditions.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study compares two types of electrical stimulation treatments for improving leg function in people with incomplete spinal cord injuries: transcutaneous (through the skin) and epidural (with surgically implanted electrodes). It aims to see which method better enables control over weak or paralyzed muscles.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include discomfort at the stimulation site, risk associated with surgical implantation for the epidural group such as infection or bleeding, possible muscle fatigue from increased use during therapy sessions, and skin irritation from surface electrodes.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have had a spinal cord injury for at least one year.
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I agree to have a surgery to implant an epidural stimulator for pain treatment.
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I have trouble with walking and moving around in my daily activities.
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I am between 21 and 70 years old.
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My heart and lung health is stable, and I don't have frequent severe reactions that would stop me from doing leg exercises or tests.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~8-11 months
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 8-11 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Neuromuscular Recovery Scale
Secondary outcome measures
Berg Balance Test
Electromyography recording of LE and trunk muscles
International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) Examination
+12 more

Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Comparison of transcutaneous & epidural stimulationExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Comparison of transcutaneous vs epidural electrical stimulation
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Transcutaneous spinal stimulation
2022
N/A
~40

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of WashingtonLead Sponsor
1,740 Previous Clinical Trials
1,847,932 Total Patients Enrolled
U.S. National Science FoundationFED
34 Previous Clinical Trials
8,868 Total Patients Enrolled
Rajiv Saigal, MD, PhDPrincipal Investigator - University of Washington
Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical Center
Tufts University School Of Medicine (Medical School)

Media Library

Epidural spinal stimulation Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT04043715 — N/A
Spinal Cord Injury Research Study Groups: Comparison of transcutaneous & epidural stimulation
Spinal Cord Injury Clinical Trial 2023: Epidural spinal stimulation Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT04043715 — N/A
Epidural spinal stimulation 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT04043715 — N/A
Spinal Cord Injury Patient Testimony for trial: Trial Name: NCT04043715 — N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is this particular research endeavor actively enrolling participants?

"Aye, according to clinicaltrials.gov, this trial is still enrolling patients and has been since August 1st 2019. 6 individuals are required at a single location for the study's completion; lastly it was updated on October 5th 2020."

Answered by AI

For whom is this clinical trial designed to benefit?

"This research is seeking out 6 patients with a neurological affliction that abide by the following criteria: between 21 and 70 years of age, no cardiopulmonary issues or frequent autonomic dysreflexia which would impede participation in lower extremity rehabilitation/testing activities; willing to have an epidural stimulator surgically implanted according to study timeline; capable of performing simple motor tasks while having access to adequate social support to attend assessment sessions ranging from once per week up until 9 months; must possess chronic pain along with difficulty in mobility when it comes to everyday activities (i.e walking, transferring surface-to-surface); eligible for implanted"

Answered by AI

Is this medical study open to participants below the age of majority?

"To qualify for this study, participants must be between 21 and 70 years of age."

Answered by AI

What is the approximate number of participants in this research endeavor?

"Affirmative. Clinicaltrials.gov has information which implies that this clinical research is still searching for volunteers, with the study first posted on August 1st 2019 and most recently updated October 5th 2020. 6 participants are desired from a single medical facility."

Answered by AI

Who else is applying?

What state do they live in?
California
What site did they apply to?
University of Washington
What portion of applicants met pre-screening criteria?
Met criteria
How many prior treatments have patients received?
2

What questions have other patients asked about this trial?

Will this help me walk?
PatientReceived no prior treatments

Why did patients apply to this trial?

I tried different treatments and it didn’t work for me.
PatientReceived 2+ prior treatments
~2 spots leftby Dec 2025