Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Not Yet Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT06886152

Spinal Stimulation and Gait Training to Improve Mobility in TBI

The purpose of this research study is to assess the effects of receiving transcutaneous spinal stimulation while performing walking exercises compared to completing walking exercises without spinal stimulation for individuals with hemiplegic TBI.

Not Yet Recruiting

Trial opening soon.

Get Notified

Key information

Conditions

Traumatic Brain Injury Brain Diseases Brain Injuries Brain Injuries, Traumatic Central Nervous System Diseases Craniocerebral Trauma Hemiplegia Hemiplegia and Hemiparesis Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Paralysis Paresis Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Trauma, Nervous System Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, United States

Loading trial locations.

About this study

The fundamental hypothesis guiding this proposal is that transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation combined with gait training for individuals with hemiplegic TBI will lead to improved: modulation of corticospinal networks, functional mobility, gait symmetry, standing posture, balance, and motor efficiency compared to gait training with sham stimulation.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Have weakness on at least one side of my body.
  • No injury to my unaffected side in 6 months.
  • Be cleared by a physician to participate in this study.
  • Have had a non-penetrating TBI at least 2 years ago. A non-penetrating injury is an injury where my skull remained closed and no object entered it.
  • Have enough strength to use a hemiwalker or walker.
  • Be between 18-65 years of age.
  • Be medically stable for at least 6 months before enrolling. This means that I have not had an emergency room visit, hospitalization, or medical procedure (such as a surgery) during this period of time.
  • Able to walk 10 yards with minimal assistance without an ankle-foot orthosis (brace)
  • Able to respond to and tolerate surface stimulation, as determined by study staff
  • Have the ability to communicate in English.
  • Have stable blood pressure.
  • Be willing and able to give informed consent.
  • Be able and willing to comply with study procedures, verbal instructions, and follow-up requirements.

Exclusion criteria

  • Have must have not had physical or occupational therapy or treatment for a balance disorder within 30 days prior to study enrollment. I must not participate in physical or occupation therapy throughout the duration of the study to avoid affecting the study results.
  • Have any medical issues that affect my unaffected side (such arthritis, fracture, etc.).
  • Have skin issues that would prevent me from being able to use the surface stimulation (such as a open wound or rash).
  • Have a pre-existing condition that may make it difficult for me to participate in exercise. (uncontrolled hypertension as described by a physician, heart disease, abnormal heart rate or rhythm, or congestive heart failure).
  • Have been hospitalized for heart attack, heart surgery or acute heart failure within 3 months of enrollment in study.
  • Have an implanted medical or metallic device.
  • Reduced sensation in my lower limbs and stimulation locations.
  • Have Botox injections in my legs up to 3 months prior to enrolling.
  • Have physical therapy for walking.
  • Have uncontrolled seizure disorder (such as epilepsy)
  • Have nervous system-related issues (for example Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis).
  • Major changes to my medications throughout the study
  • Have bone or muscle issues unrelated to traumatic brain injury that interfere with my walking or limit my range of motion in my legs.
  • Be currently pregnant. Because of potential risk to the fetus, women of child bearing potential will be required to have a pregnancy test before they can enroll in this study. If I am female, and have a positive pregnancy test, I will not be enrolled.
  • Have any other medical conditions that my doctor or physical therapist feels would affect my ability to use the stimulation or participate in walking training TMS Specific - Exclusion (those with these exclusions can still participate in other parts of the study)
  • I have a history of seizure disorder or have a close family member (parent, brother, sister, or child) who has a seizure disorder.
  • I have had unexplained fainting spells.
  • I have had an active migraine headaches.
  • I have a past or current history of ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or severe hearing problems.
  • I am currently taking or withdrawing from any medication that would increase my risk of seizure (determination made in consultation with study physician).
  • I have a history of alcohol or drug abuse in the prior 3 years.
  • I have nerve damage outside of my brain or spinal cord (such as in an arm or leg).
  • I am unwilling to participate in TMS.

Treatment and study plan

Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation

Procedure

A portable transcutaneous spine stimulator (Digitimer ®, USA) will supply biphasic stimulation superficial to the thoracolumbar spine.

SHAM

Other

A portable transcutaneous spine stimulator (Digitimer ®, USA) will be applied superficially with no electrical current.

Primary outcomes

  1. 10MWT (Aim 1)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline 10MWT at 6 weeks and 3 months

    10 meter walk test is a timed test to evaluate walking speed after TBI and in response to the intervention.

  2. 6MWT (Aim 1)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline 6MWT at 6 weeks and 3 months

    6 minute walking test to evaluate endurance after TBI and in response to the intervention. Distance is measured for 6 minutes with a greater distance indicating a better outcome.

  3. TUG (Aim 1)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline 6MWT at 6 weeks and 3 months

    Timed up and go (TUG) is a timed test to measure functional balance and walking ability after TBI and in response to the intervention.

  4. DGI (Aim 1)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline DGI at 6 weeks and 3 months

    Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) evaluates the ability to modify balance while walking in the presence of external demands after TBI and in response to the intervention. The measure is scored out of 24 with a higher score indicating a better outcome.

  5. Berg Balance Scale (Aim 1)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline Berg at 6 weeks and 3 months

    Measure to assess static and dynamic balance and fall risk after TBI and in response to the intervention. The scale is scored out of 56 with a high score indicating a better outcome.

  6. Temporospatial Loading (Aim 1)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline at 6 weeks and 3 months

    Step length, timing during gait cycle, limb symmetry will be collected using instrumented gait walkway and are combined to evaluate gait symmetry.

  7. Joint Range of Motion (kinematics) (Aim 2)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline at 6 weeks and 3 months

    Kinematics gait data will be collected using a motion capture camera system to provide biomechanical outcomes.

  8. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) (Aim 2)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline at 6 weeks and 3 months

    Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to assay changes in cortical neurophysiology for all subjects using Magstim Rapid2TM 70 mm double coil (or similar device).

  9. Participation Objective Participation Subjective (Aim 3)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline at 6 weeks and 3 months

    The POPS consists of 26 elements of participation representing 5 categories. For each item the participant rates each element objectively and subjectively.

  10. Community Integration Questionnaire (Aim 3)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline at 6 weeks and 3 months

    The CIQ is a 15-item instrument used to assess the social role limitations and community interaction of people with brain injury with higher scores indicating greater independence and community integration.

  11. Patient Competency Rating Scale (Aim 3)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline at 6 weeks and 3 months

    The PCRS is a 30 item self report scale using a 5 point Likert to rate the degree of difficulty in a variety of tasks and functions including measure of awareness of deficits following TBI in daily living, behavioral and emotional function, cognitive abilities, and physical function. Higher score indicates greater competency.

  12. Perceived Control Scale for Brain Injury (Aim 3)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline at 6 weeks and 3 months

    This scale is 9 items scored on a 4 point Likert. It measures perceived control developed for individuals with acquired brain injury with a higher score indicating higher perceived control.

  13. SF-36 (Aim 3)

    Time frame: Change from Baseline at 6 weeks and 3 months

    The Short Form (SF) Survey is the most widely used and studied measure of health-related quality of life consisting of 36 items, completed by the participant. Higher average scores indicate a more favorable state of health.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Kathleen Goworek

CONTACT

[email protected]

973-324-3560

Sharon Franco

CONTACT

[email protected]

973-324-3521

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kessler Foundation

Other

Collaborators

  • Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Registry information

Official study title

Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation and Gait Training to Improve Mobility and Motor Control in Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury

Acronym: DOD SS

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2028
First posted
Mar 20, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 2, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.