Epidural Electrical Stimulation to Restore Standing and Walking in Patients With Chronic Paralysis Due to Spinal Cord Injury: A Study on Motor Recovery, Spasticity Reduction, and Quality of Life Improvement Through Neuromodulation and Intensive Rehabilitation

Surgery
Standing/walking/mobility
Online since 26 April 2026, updated today

About this trial

This feasibility trial is enrolling 10 participants with chronic spinal cord injury to test the effect of epidural spinal stimulation (eSS) combined with physical therapy on walking function. eSS is an invasive technique that uses an implanted electrode placed next to the spinal cord to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. If included, participants will undergo a 3-month pre-implant rehabilitation program, followed by surgical implantation of an epidural spinal stimulator. After 1 month for recovery and device calibration, each participant will receive electrical stimulation during five supervised physiotherapy sessions per week over 12 months. Final testing of walking function will be performed after 1 year.

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
18 - 50 years
Injury level
C7 - T10
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • AIS-A
    AIS-B
    Time since injury
    ≥ 6 months
    Healthy volunteers
    No
    C7-T10
    Additionally, participants must
    NOT currently use electronic devices such as baclofen pumps or cardiac pacemakers

    What’s involved

    Type

    Surgery

    Details

    - Participants will undergo a 3-month pre-implant rehabilitation program, followed by surgical implantation of a stimulator and a 12-month post-implant rehabilitation protocol with epidural spinal stimulation (eSS). - eSS is an invasive technique that uses an implanted electrode placed next to the spinal cord to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. - Participants will receive eSS during 5 supervised physiotherapy sessions per week. - Final testing of walking function will be performed after 1 year.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    Standing/walking/mobility

    Additional benefits

    Bladder health/function

    General health

    Mental health and psychosocial factors

    Pain

    Spasticity

    Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.

    Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder

    Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.

    Learn more


    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting
    • Trial start date
    • 28 Jan 2022
    • Organisation
    • University of Sao Paulo General Hospital
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting
    • Trial start date
    • 28 Jan 2022
    • Organisation
    • University of Sao Paulo General Hospital

    Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder

    Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.

    Learn more