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Spinal Cord InjuriesNCT04624607

Transspinal-Transcortical Paired Stimulation for Neuroplasticity and Recovery After SCI

A study testing Transspinal-transcortical paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait training and Transcortical-transspinal paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait training in people with Spinal Cord Injuries and Paraplegia, Spinal, run by College of Staten Island, the City University of New York at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) have motor dysfunction that results in substantial social, personal, and economic costs. Uncontrolled muscle spasticity and motor dysfunction result in disabilities that significantly reduce quality of life. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 70 years
What is being tested?
Transspinal-transcortical paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait training and Transcortical-transspinal paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait training
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
14 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
5 Jan 2018to 3 Mar 2020
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 70 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Clinical diagnosis of motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).
  • SCI is above thoracic 12 vertebra.
  • Absent permanent ankle joint contractures.
  • SCI occurred 6 months before enrollment to the study.

Who cannot join

  • Supraspinal lesions
  • Neuropathies of the peripheral nervous system
  • Degenerative neurological disorders
  • Presence of pressure sores
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Neoplastic or vascular disorders of the spine or spinal cord
Show all 10Show fewer
  • Pregnant women or women who suspect they may be or may become pregnant
  • People with cochlear implants, pacemaker, and implanted simulators
  • People with history of seizures
  • People with implanted Baclofen pump

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, City University of New York

    Staten Island, New York, 10314

Other trials in United States

About this study

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) have motor dysfunction that results in substantial social, personal, and economic costs. Uncontrolled muscle spasticity and motor dysfunction result in disabilities that significantly reduce quality of life. Several rehabilitation interventions are utilized to treat muscle spasticity and motor dysfunction after SCI in humans. However, because most interventions rely on sensory afferent feedback that is interpreted by malfunctioned neuronal networks, rehabilitation efforts are greatly compromised. On the other hand, changes in the function of nerve cells connecting the brain and spinal cord have been reported following repetitive electromagnetic stimulation delivered over the head and legs or arms at specific time intervals. In addition, evidence suggests that electrical signals delivered to the spinal cord can regenerate spinal motor neurons in injured animals. A fundamental knowledge gap still exists on neuroplasticity and recovery of leg motor function in people with SCI after repetitive transspinal cord and transcortical stimulation. In this project, it is proposed that repetitive pairing of transspinal cord stimulation with transcortical stimulation strengthens the connections between the brain and spinal cord, decreases ankle spasticity, and improves leg movement. People with motor incomplete SCI will receive transspinal - transcortical paired associative stimulation at rest and during assisted stepping. The effects of this novel neuromodulation paradigm will be established via clinical tests and noninvasive neurophysiological methods that assess the pathways connecting the brain with the spinal cord.

Read the detailed description

Motor dysfunction after SCI results in substantial personal, social, and economic costs. Secondary complications related to muscle spasticity and motor dysfunction significantly reduce quality of life. Rehabilitation efforts are compromised because most therapeutic interventions rely heavily on sensory afferent feedback that is interpreted by malfunctioned neuronal networks. On the other hand, electrical signals delivered over the spine regenerate neurons of the spinal cord in injured animals, and paired associative stimulation produces enduring neuronal plasticity in healthy and injured humans and animals. A fundamental knowledge gap still exists on induction of functional neuroplasticity and recovery of leg motor function following repetitive pairing of transspinal cord stimulation with transcortical stimulation in people with motor incomplete SCI. Our central working hypothesis is that transspinal cord stimulation paired with transcortical stimulation strengthens corticospinal neuronal connections, decreases ankle spasticity, and improves leg motor function. This notion is based on the concept tested in the applicant's laboratory that this novel stimulation paradigm potentiates synaptic actions and activity of spared but compromised axons providing the necessary environment for functional neuroplasticity. The rationale of this research study is that neuromodulation methods that can modify effectively the input-output relations of cortical and spinal neuronal pathways in people with motor incomplete SCI are needed. Based on strong preliminary data, two specific aims will be addressed: Specific Aim 1: Establish induction of transspinal-transcortical paired associative stimulation (PAS) neuroplasticity and improvements in leg sensorimotor function in people with motor incomplete SCI when PAS is administered during robotic-assisted gait training. Cortical and corticospinal neuronal circuits via state-of-the-art neurophysiological methods in seated (Aim 1A), soleus H-reflex excitability during assisted stepping (Aim 1B), and sensorimotor function evaluated via standardized clinical tests (Aim 1C) will be assessed before and after 15 sessions of transspinal-transcortical PAS delivered with subjects supine. Specific Aim 2: Establish induction of transcortical-transspinal PAS neuroplasticity and improvements in leg sensorimotor function in people with motor incomplete SCI when PAS is administered during assisted stepping. Cortical and corticospinal neuroplasticity via state-of-the-art neurophysiological methods in seated (Aim 2A), soleus H-reflex excitability during assisted stepping (Aim 2B), and leg sensorimotor function evaluated via standardized clinical tests (Aim 2C) will be assessed before and after 15 sessions of transspinal-transcortical PAS delivered during assisted stepping. It is hypothesized that transspinal-transcortical PAS delivered at rest or during assisted stepping strengthens corticospinal connections, increases spinal inhibition, decreases ankle spasticity, and improves leg motor function. Further, transspinal-transcortical PAS delivered during assisted stepping normalizes the abnormal phase-dependent soleus H-reflex modulation commonly observed during stepping in people with motor incomplete SCI. To test the project hypotheses, 12 people with motor incomplete SCI will receive 20 sessions of transspinal-transcortical or transcortical-transspinal PAS during assisted stepping. In people with SCI, and assess improvements in leg motor function with standardized clinical tests. In all subjects, assessments of neuroplasticity in cortical, corticospinal, and spinal neuronal networks will be administered. These results will advance considerably the field of spinal cord research and change the standard of care because there is great potential for development of novel and effective rehabilitation strategies to manage spasticity and improve motor function after SCI in humans.

Being tested
Transspinal-transcortical paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait training, Transcortical-transspinal paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait training
Keywords
Spinal Cord Injury, Locomotor Training, Neuromodulation, Paired-Associative Stimulation
Medical subject headings
Spinal Cord Injuries, Paraplegia, Quadriplegia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Transspinal-transcortical paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait trainingDevice

    Individuals with spinal cord injury will receive 20 daily sessions of robotic gait training. During assisted stepping, they will receive also paired non-invasive transspinal stimulation and non-invasive brain stimulation during the stance phase of gait. Before and after training standardized clinical and neurophysiological tests will be used to assess recovery of sensorimotor function.

  • Transcortical-transspinal paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait trainingDevice

    Individuals with spinal cord injury will receive 20 daily sessions of robotic gait training. During assisted stepping, they will receive also paired non-invasive brain stimulation and non-invasive transspinal stimulation during the stance phase of gait. Before and after training standardized clinical and neurophysiological tests will be used to assess recovery of sensorimotor function.

Study groups in NCT04624607
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Transspinal-transcortical paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait trainingExperimentalRobotic gait training will be administered along with paired non-invasive transspinal stimulation over the thoracolumbar region and non-invasive brain stimulation during assisted stepping.
Receives: Device: Transspinal-transcortical paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait training
Transcortical-transspinal paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait trainingExperimentalRobotic gait training will be administered along with paired non-invasive brain stimulation and non-invasive transspinal stimulation over the thoracolumbar region during assisted stepping.
Receives: Device: Transcortical-transspinal paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait training

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Plasticity of cortical and corticospinal neural circuits

    Neurophysiological tests probing cortical and corticospinal excitability will be measured before and after the intervention. Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to assemble the recruitment curve of motor evoked potentials, and paired-pulse TMS will be used to probe changes in cortical inhibitory and facilitatory neuronal circuits.

    Measured: 3 years

  2. Plasticity of spinal neural cicuits

    Neurophysiological tests probing spinal reflex excitability will be measured before and after each intervention by posterior tibial and sural nerves stimulation during Lokomat-assisted stepping depicting the amplitude modulation of the soleus H-reflex, tibialis anterior flexor reflex, and interlimb reflexes.

    Measured: 3 years

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Sensorimotor leg motor function

    Manual muscle test and leg sensation based on American Spinal Injury Association

    Measured: 3 years

  2. Walking function

    Two-minute walk test and 10 meter timed test

    Measured: 3 years

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted12 Nov 2020
  2. Study start5 Jan 2018
  3. Primary completion10 Feb 2020
  4. Study completion3 Mar 2020

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury will be assigned to receive robotic gait training with the Lokomat combined with paired non-invasive thoracolumbar transspinal stimulation and non-invasive brain stimulation.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider
Enrolment
14 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04624607
Sponsor's protocol ID
2017-0261
Other IDs
C32095GG
Status last verified
Oct 2020
First submitted
5 Nov 2020
Last updated
13 Nov 2020
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Dixon L, Ibrahim MM, Santora D, Knikou M. Paired associative transspinal and transcortical stimulation produces plasticity in human cortical and spinal neuronal circuits. J Neurophysiol. 2016 Aug 1;116(2):904-16. doi: 10.1152/jn.00259.2016. Epub 2016 Jun 8.

    PubMed 27281748
  • Knikou M. Spinal Excitability Changes after Transspinal and Transcortical Paired Associative Stimulation in Humans. Neural Plast. 2017;2017:6751810. doi: 10.1155/2017/6751810. Epub 2017 Oct 16.

    PubMed 29123926
  • Knikou M. Functional reorganization of soleus H-reflex modulation during stepping after robotic-assisted step training in people with complete and incomplete spinal cord injury. Exp Brain Res. 2013 Jul;228(3):279-96. doi: 10.1007/s00221-013-3560-y. Epub 2013 May 25.

    PubMed 23708757
  • Stefan K, Kunesch E, Cohen LG, Benecke R, Classen J. Induction of plasticity in the human motor cortex by paired associative stimulation. Brain. 2000 Mar;123 Pt 3:572-84. doi: 10.1093/brain/123.3.572.

    PubMed 10686179
  • Smith AC, Mummidisetty CK, Rymer WZ, Knikou M. Locomotor training alters the behavior of flexor reflexes during walking in human spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol. 2014 Nov 1;112(9):2164-75. doi: 10.1152/jn.00308.2014. Epub 2014 Aug 13.

    PubMed 25122715
  • Field-Fote EC, Roach KE. Influence of a locomotor training approach on walking speed and distance in people with chronic spinal cord injury: a randomized clinical trial. Phys Ther. 2011 Jan;91(1):48-60. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20090359. Epub 2010 Nov 4.

    PubMed 21051593
  • Smith AC, Rymer WZ, Knikou M. Locomotor training modifies soleus monosynaptic motoneuron responses in human spinal cord injury. Exp Brain Res. 2015 Jan;233(1):89-103. doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4094-7. Epub 2014 Sep 10.

    PubMed 25205562
  • Taylor JL, Martin PG. Voluntary motor output is altered by spike-timing-dependent changes in the human corticospinal pathway. J Neurosci. 2009 Sep 16;29(37):11708-16. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2217-09.2009.

    PubMed 19759317
  • Song S, Miller KD, Abbott LF. Competitive Hebbian learning through spike-timing-dependent synaptic plasticity. Nat Neurosci. 2000 Sep;3(9):919-26. doi: 10.1038/78829.

    PubMed 10966623
  • Thomas SL, Gorassini MA. Increases in corticospinal tract function by treadmill training after incomplete spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol. 2005 Oct;94(4):2844-55. doi: 10.1152/jn.00532.2005. Epub 2005 Jul 6.

    PubMed 16000519
  • Pulverenti TS, Zaaya M, Knikou M. Brain and spinal cord paired stimulation coupled with locomotor training affects polysynaptic flexion reflex circuits in human spinal cord injury. Exp Brain Res. 2022 Jun;240(6):1687-1699. doi: 10.1007/s00221-022-06375-x. Epub 2022 May 6.

    PubMed 35513720

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Transspinal-transcortical paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait training and Transcortical-transspinal paired-associative stimiulation combined with robotic gait training in people with Spinal Cord Injuries and Paraplegia, Spinal, run by College of Staten Island, the City University of New York at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Nov 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Plasticity of cortical and corticospinal neural circuits (time frame: 3 years). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04624607, which also lists 11 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Nov 2020.

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