Influence of Spinal Stimulation Frequency on Spasticity, Motor Control, and Pain After Spinal Cord Injury

Description

The goal of this study is to identify the effect of different types of noninvasive spinal stimulation on spasticity (involuntary muscle activity), muscle strength, and pain in people with spinal cord injury. The spinal stimulation consists of electrical stimulation applied through one electrode over the skin of the lower back and two electrodes over the stomach. Testing will include participating in measurements before the intervention, during intervention, and immediately after the intervention. This study requires participants to come into Shepherd Center 4 consecutive days a week for 2-3 hours per day across 2-3 weeks.

Conditions

Spinal Cord Injuries

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this study is to identify the effect of different types of noninvasive spinal stimulation on spasticity (involuntary muscle activity), muscle strength, and pain in people with spinal cord injury. The spinal stimulation consists of electrical stimulation applied through one electrode over the skin of the lower back and two electrodes over the stomach. Testing will include participating in measurements before the intervention, during intervention, and immediately after the intervention. This study requires participants to come into Shepherd Center 4 consecutive days a week for 2-3 hours per day across 2-3 weeks.

Neuromodulation of Spinal Circuits: Effects on Spasticity, Nociception, and Motor Activation (Phase II)

Influence of Spinal Stimulation Frequency on Spasticity, Motor Control, and Pain After Spinal Cord Injury

Condition
Spinal Cord Injuries
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Atlanta

Shepherd Center, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30309

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Participants must agree to allow use of health information.
  • * Participants should be 16 years old or older.
  • * Participants must have had a spinal cord injury (SCI) of any severity (AIS A, B, C, or D) that happened at least 3 months ago.
  • * Participants should have at least a small amount of spasticity in the legs.
  • * Participants must inform the investigators if there is a change in medications during the study.
  • * Participants must be able to follow instructions.
  • * Participants must be able to communicate if pain or discomfort is experienced.
  • * People with spinal issues that are getting worse, such as degenerative or progressive vascular disorders.
  • * People neurological problems other than SCI.
  • * People with an injury level is below T12.
  • * People with heart issues, such as atrial fibrillation.
  • * People with bone or joint problems that would make it hard to follow the study plan.
  • * Women who are pregnant.
  • * People with implanted stimulators (like a baclofen pump, spinal stimulator, heart defibrillator, or diaphragmatic pacemaker)
  • * People with infection.
  • * People with skin that is broken.
  • * People who have or had certain types of cancer.
  • * People who have had long-lasting spasticity treatment (like botox or selective dorsal rhizotomy).

Ages Eligible for Study

16 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA,

Edelle C Field-Fote, PT, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA

Study Record Dates

2026-12-15