RecruitingTetraplegia/Tetraparesis

Transspinal Stimulation With and Without Blood Flow Restricted Exercise Via Telehealth in Persons With Tetraplegia

Eligible age

18–70 yrs

Accepts

All genders

Locations

1 state

Healthy volunteers

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About this study

The purpose of the current study is to evaluate whether a home-based, telehealth-supported intervention combining Blood Flow Restricted Exercise (BES) and Transspinal Stimulation (TS) will improve motor and functional abilities greater than BES+sham TS in persons with chronic, incomplete tetraplegia.

Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University

You may qualify if…

✓ 1. A written clearance from the study medical doctor to ensure that the participant is safely able to engage in the study.
✓ 2. Participants must have a companion that will be able to help him/her throughout the study.
✓ 3. Greater than 1-year post SCI, neurologic level of C8 or above.
✓ 4. American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) scores of B, C, or D indicating presence of an incomplete SCI.
✓ 5. Visible muscle contraction response to NMES wrist extensors, bilaterally.
✓ 6. Agreement to use telehealth services for delivery of research exercise training by study staff. Possesses appropriate technology to engage in telehealth including a personal web camera, computer, microphone, speakers, and high-speed broadband internet connection, valid email address (needed to obtain VA issued video conferencing software), and telephone number used to obtain login credentials for the In-Home Video Software - Cisco Jabber Video for Telepresence Software.
✓ 7. Response of muscle contraction of wrist extensors bilaterally to neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

You may not qualify if…

✕ 1. Unhealed fracture in upper or lower extremities.
✕ 2. Severe scoliosis, severe upper extremity contractures, or other musculoskeletal issues that would impede participation in a BES + TS intervention or valid evaluation of outcome measures.
✕ 3. High resting blood pressure greater than 140/80 mmHg.
✕ 4. Taking anti-coagulants or anti-platelet agents, including aspirin if unable to be off this medication for medical reasons.
✕ 5. Pregnancy (female participants). A home pregnancy test will be conducted to role out any pregnancy before the study at the McGuire VAMC. The test will be repeated every month during the course of the study.
✕ 6. Implanted pacemakers and/or implanted defibrillator devices.
✕ 7. Other exclusion criteria may include the presence of implanted electrical device, cancer, thrombosis, pacemaker, defibrillator, or seizures. Patients who are currently on or receive anti-platelet or anticoagulant medications will be excluded from the trial.
✕ 8. Any condition that, in the judgment of the principal investigator or medical provider, precludes safe participation in the study.

Where it's recruiting

Virginia

Richmond

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT05423600 · last updated 2025-07-01