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Spinal Cord InjuryNCT07872839

Co-contraction and Corticoreticular Excitability in Spinal Cord Injury

A study testing Corticoreticular excitability and co-contraction measurement in people with Spinal Cord Injury and Spasticity, run by Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan at 1 site in Taiwan.

Enrolling by invitation

Enrolling by invitation. The study team selects and invites participants, usually from an existing group of patients.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study is to elucidate whether hyperexcitability of the cortico-reticulospinal tract leads to abnormal co-contraction and spasticity of elbow flexors in persons with cervical cervical spinal cord injury. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Spinal Cord Injury, Spasticity
What is being tested?
Corticoreticular excitability and co-contraction measurement
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
20 participants
Where
1 siteTaiwan
Study dates
27 Jul 2026to 30 Jun 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 20 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Diagnosis of cervical spinal cord injury, traumatic or non-traumatic, with motor level of C3-C8
  • Chronic phase of injury (≥180 days post-onset)
  • ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade C or D
  • Age between 20 and 65 years old
  • Presence of spasticity in the biceps brachii (modified Ashworth scale score ≥1)

Who cannot join

  • Presence of a pacemaker or other metal implants in the head
  • A personal or family history of epilepsy or seizures.
  • History of adverse effects from prior electrical stimulation.
  • Cognitive or communicative impairment that precludes the ability to provide informed consent or follow study instructions.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Taiwan1 site
  • Division of Neural Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital

    Taipei, 112-062

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: The Relationship Between Co-contraction and Corticoreticular Excitability in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

This study is to elucidate whether hyperexcitability of the cortico-reticulospinal tract leads to abnormal co-contraction and spasticity of elbow flexors in persons with cervical cervical spinal cord injury. By measuring the supplementary motor area (SMA) regulation of the StartReact response, it is possible to quantify whether the cortico-reticular pathway is excessively active or weakened in these persons.

Participants will

  1. Be assessed for upper limb function
  2. Receive motor evoked potential of tested biceps muscle
  3. Receive a standard StartReact paradigm to measure the reticulospinal excitability.
  4. Received a conditioning-test paradigm to assess corticoreticular excitability.
  5. Conduct a sustained isometric elbow extension task
Read the detailed description

Background: Abnormal muscle co-contraction, which refers to maladaptive activation of both synergist and antagonist muscles at the same time, is one of the major causes of the loss of smoothness and accuracy in movement following spinal cord injury. Previous studies have indicated a correlation between the excitability of the cortico-reticulospinal pathway and abnormal muscle tone. This trial will modulate the StartReact response in persons with SCI in order to elucidate the neurological basis of this motor impairment. The investigators hypothesize that hyperexcitability of the cortico-reticulospinal tract leads to abnormal co-contraction and spasticity. By measuring the SMA regulation of the StartReact response, it is possible to quantify whether the cortico-reticular pathway is excessively active or weakened in these persons.

Methods: This cross-sectional study will recruit 20 individuals with chronic cervical SCI (C3-C8, ASIA Impairment Scale C or D). This study will investigate the relationship between two primary measures: corticoreticular excitability and co-contraction index. Corticoreticular excitability will be assessed using a conditioning-test paradigm that combines the StartReact response with non-invasive TMS over the SMA. The co-contraction index will be calculated from the electromyography (EMG) of the biceps and triceps brachii during a sustained isometric elbow extension task. As a related measure, reticulospinal excitability will be evaluated using the standard StartReact response, which measures reaction times to visual stimuli with and without startling auditory stimuli. Secondary outcomes will include corticospinal excitability, as measured by motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude; muscle strength; and clinical assessments of upper limb function.

Anticipated Outcomes and Significance: The investigators hypothesize that (1) individuals with SCI will exhibit greater corticoreticular excitability than healthy individuals, and (2) a positive correlation will exist between the degree of corticoreticular excitability and the co-contraction index. The findings of this study are expected to elucidate the neural basis of abnormal co-contraction following SCI. This could provide valuable insights for the development of more targeted and effective rehabilitation strategies, ultimately aiming to improve motor function and quality of life in individuals with SCI.

Being tested
Corticoreticular excitability and co-contraction measurement
Keywords
cervical spinal cord injury, spasticity, corticoreticular excitability, reticulospinal tract, StartReact response
Medical subject headings
Spinal Cord Injuries, Muscle Spasticity

What participants receive

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

  • Corticoreticular excitability and co-contraction measurementOther

    The more spastic side will be chosen as the tested side graded by the modified Ashworth Scale. Corticoreticular excitability will be assessed using a conditioning-test paradigm that combines the StartReact response with non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the supplementary motor area. The co-contraction index will be calculated from the electromyography of the biceps and triceps brachii during sustained isometric elbow flexion and extension tasks.

Study groups in NCT07872839
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Experimental armExperimentalAll participants will be tested for corticoreticular excitability of the elbow flexors of the determined side, and co-contraction of the elbow flexors and extensors of the same side.
Receives: Other: Corticoreticular excitability and co-contraction measurement

What is being measured

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

  1. corticoreticular excitability

    Corticoreticular excitability will be assessed using a conditioning-test paradigm that combines the StartReact response with non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the supplementary motor area.

    Measured: Day 1

  2. Co-contraction index

    The extension and flexion co-contraction index will be calculated from the electromyography (EMG) of the biceps and triceps brachii during a sustained isometric elbow extension task and during a sustained isometric flexion task.

    Measured: Day 1

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Spasticity of tested elbow flexors

    spasticity of the elbow flexors measured by modified Ashworth scale

    Measured: Day 1

  2. The maximal isometric strength of tested elbow flexors and extensors

    The maximal isometric strength of the elbow flexors (biceps brachii) and extensors (triceps brachii) will be measured using a Hand-Held Dynamometer (HHD) with a pull sensor

    Measured: Day 1

  3. The upper limb function

    Clinical assessment of upper limb function will be measured by related items of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Spinal Cord Injury Measure III (SCIM III)

    Measured: Day 1

Timeline

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

  1. First posted14 Oct 2026
  2. Study start27 Jul 2026
  3. Primary completion30 Jun 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Jun 2027 (estimated)

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
Basic science
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
20 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07872839
Sponsor's protocol ID
2026-06-002B
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
28 Jul 2026
Last updated
14 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: This is a preliminary investigation of the relationship between corticoreticular excitability and co-contraction in persons with spinal cord injury. To our knowledge, there are no other similar ongoing studies, and thus we do not have a plan to share the IPD from this study.

Publications

  • Voordecker P, Mavroudakis N, Blecic S, Hildebrand J, Zegers de Beyl D. Audiogenic startle reflex in acute hemiplegia. Neurology. 1997 Aug;49(2):470-3. doi: 10.1212/wnl.49.2.470.

    PubMed 9270579
  • Bohannon RW, Smith MB. Interrater reliability of a modified Ashworth scale of muscle spasticity. Phys Ther. 1987 Feb;67(2):206-7. doi: 10.1093/ptj/67.2.206.

    PubMed 3809245
  • Valls-Sole J. Assessment of excitability in brainstem circuits mediating the blink reflex and the startle reaction. Clin Neurophysiol. 2012 Jan;123(1):13-20. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2011.04.029. Epub 2011 Oct 24.

    PubMed 22030138
  • Rossi S, Antal A, Bestmann S, Bikson M, Brewer C, Brockmoller J, Carpenter LL, Cincotta M, Chen R, Daskalakis JD, Di Lazzaro V, Fox MD, George MS, Gilbert D, Kimiskidis VK, Koch G, Ilmoniemi RJ, Lefaucheur JP, Leocani L, Lisanby SH, Miniussi C, Padberg F, Pascual-Leone A, Paulus W, Peterchev AV, Quartarone A, Rotenberg A, Rothwell J, Rossini PM, Santarnecchi E, Shafi MM, Siebner HR, Ugawa Y, Wassermann EM, Zangen A, Ziemann U, Hallett M; basis of this article began with a Consensus Statement from the IFCN Workshop on "Present, Future of TMS: Safety, Ethical Guidelines", Siena, October 17-20, 2018, updating through April 2020. Safety and recommendations for TMS use in healthy subjects and patient populations, with updates on training, ethical and regulatory issues: Expert Guidelines. Clin Neurophysiol. 2021 Jan;132(1):269-306. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.10.003. Epub 2020 Oct 24.

    PubMed 33243615
  • Lili L, Sunnerhagen KS, Rekand T, Alt Murphy M. Quantifying an Upper Extremity Everyday Task With 3D Kinematic Analysis in People With Spinal Cord Injury and Non-disabled Controls. Front Neurol. 2021 Oct 15;12:755790. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2021.755790. eCollection 2021.

    PubMed 34721277
  • Li S, Chen YT, Francisco GE, Zhou P, Rymer WZ. A Unifying Pathophysiological Account for Post-stroke Spasticity and Disordered Motor Control. Front Neurol. 2019 May 10;10:468. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00468. eCollection 2019.

    PubMed 31133971
  • Lee Y, Lopez DE, Meloni EG, Davis M. A primary acoustic startle pathway: obligatory role of cochlear root neurons and the nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis. J Neurosci. 1996 Jun 1;16(11):3775-89. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.16-11-03775.1996.

    PubMed 8642420
  • Jankelowitz SK, Colebatch JG. The acoustic startle reflex in ischemic stroke. Neurology. 2004 Jan 13;62(1):114-6. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000101711.48946.35.

    PubMed 14718710
  • Honeycutt CF, Kharouta M, Perreault EJ. Evidence for reticulospinal contributions to coordinated finger movements in humans. J Neurophysiol. 2013 Oct;110(7):1476-83. doi: 10.1152/jn.00866.2012. Epub 2013 Jul 3.

    PubMed 23825395
  • Chalard A, Amarantini D, Tisseyre J, Marque P, Tallet J, Gasq D. Spastic co-contraction, rather that spasticity, is associated with impaired active function in adults with acquired brain injury: A pilot study. J Rehabil Med. 2019 Apr 1;51(4):307-311. doi: 10.2340/16501977-2528.

    PubMed 30768672
  • Baker SN, Perez MA. Reticulospinal Contributions to Gross Hand Function after Human Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurosci. 2017 Oct 4;37(40):9778-9784. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3368-16.2017. Epub 2017 Sep 4.

    PubMed 28871033
  • Arai N, Lu MK, Ugawa Y, Ziemann U. Effective connectivity between human supplementary motor area and primary motor cortex: a paired-coil TMS study. Exp Brain Res. 2012 Jul;220(1):79-87. doi: 10.1007/s00221-012-3117-5. Epub 2012 May 24.

    PubMed 22623093
  • Akalu Y, Frazer AK, Howatson G, Pearce AJ, Siddique U, Rostami M, Tallent J, Kidgell DJ. Identifying the role of the reticulospinal tract for strength and motor recovery: A scoping review of nonhuman and human studies. Physiol Rep. 2023 Jul;11(14):e15765. doi: 10.14814/phy2.15765.

    PubMed 37474275

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Corticoreticular excitability and co-contraction measurement in people with Spinal Cord Injury and Spasticity, run by Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan at 1 site in Taiwan.

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 5 inclusion and 4 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: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Oct 2026. 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 Taiwan. 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

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?

corticoreticular excitability (time frame: Day 1). 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 NCT07872839, which also lists 13 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 14 Oct 2026.

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Clinical Trial NCT07872839 | AzTrials