tESCS for Upper Limb Rehab in Spinal Cord Injury

Technology
Arm/hand function
Online since 20 January 2026, updated today

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 20 participants with recent (subacute) cervical spinal cord injury to test the effect of transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS) combined with conventional upper limb therapy on arm and hand function. tSS is a non-invasive technique that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. If included, participants will be randomly assigned to receive standard therapy with either active or sham tSS over a 4-week inpatient rehabilitation period. Final testing of upper limb function will be performed after 8 weeks.

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
≥ 18 years
Injury level
C1 - T1
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • Time since injury
    All
    Healthy volunteers
    No
    C1-T1
    Additionally, participants must
    NOT have implanted active metallic device without unconfirmed MRI compatibility

    What’s involved

    Type

    Technology

    Details

    - Participants will be randomly assigned to receive standard occupational therapy with either active or sham transcutaneous spinal stimulation (tSS). - tSS is a non-invasive technique that uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation aimed at modifying spinal cord function. - Active and sham tSS sessions will last 1 hour per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. - Final testing of upper limb function will be performed after 8 weeks.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    Arm/hand function

    Additional benefits

    Bladder health/function

    Bowel health

    General health

    Mental health and psychosocial factors

    Sensory function

    Spasticity

    Standing/walking/mobility

    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 soon
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Nov 2025
    • Organisation
    • NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting soon
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Nov 2025
    • Organisation
    • NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

    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