MEP Up-conditioning to Target Corticospinal Plasticity
Eligible age
18+ yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
No
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About this study
Individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injury will complete a 10-week training protocol where participants receive non-invasive brain stimulation and feedback on the size of the corresponding muscle response (wrist extensor). Investigators will assess the impact of the brain stimulation training on 1) the brain-to-spinal cord-to-muscle connection and 2) motor functions of the arm and hand. Also, brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging will be collected before and after the training. The imaging measurements will tell investigators about how spinal damage, brain function, and brain structure relate to motor presentation and the response to the training.
Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina
You may qualify if…
- ✓ Adult (≥18 yrs old)
- ✓ A history of injury to spinal cord at or above C6
- ✓ \>6 months post SCI
- ✓ Weak wrist extension at least unilaterally
- ✓ Expectation that current medication will be maintained without change for at least 3 months. Stable use of anti-spasticity medication (e.g., baclofen, diazepam, tizanidine) is accepted.
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ Motoneuron injury
- ✕ Medically unstable condition
- ✕ Cognitive impairment
- ✕ A history of epileptic seizures
- ✕ Metal implants in the cranium
- ✕ Implanted biomedical device in or above the chest (e.g., a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant)
- ✕ Extensive use of functional electrical stimulation to the arm on a daily basis
- ✕ Pregnancy (due to changes in posture and potential medical instability)
Where it's recruiting
Charleston
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06989905 · last updated 2026-03-30