tSCS + UL Robotics Training in SCI Patients
A Pilot Study on the Cumulative Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS) With Upper Limb Robotics Training in Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Patients With Tetraplegic Spinal Cord Injury
National University Hospital, Singapore
6 participants
Sep 18, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study is aimed to evaluate whether transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) can augment upper limb robotic training (ULRT) to improve functional mobility in participants with chronic spinal cord injuries. It also evaluates the impact of the tSCS+ULRT on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), compared to ULRT alone. This is a prospective single-arm crossover study in participants with incomplete chronic traumatic spinal cord injury. 6 to 8 subjects with C2-8 level injuries will be recruited. The intervention includes Phase 1 of training which consists of 16 sessions of ULRT + conventional occupational therapy in 8-10 weeks, and Phase 2 of training which consists of 16 sessions of ULRT training + tSCS + conventional occupational therapy in 8-10 weeks. Outcome measures including mobility function assessment and neuromuscular assessment will be collected at Baseline, Post-Phase 1, Post-Phase 2, and 4 weeks Follow-up. A satisfaction survey on the intervention "ULRT training + tSCS + conventional physiotherapy" will be performed at end of the study.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria10
- At least 6 months to 5 years from the diagnosis of the traumatic SCI;
- Participants between 21 and 80 years of age;
- C2-8 level injuries;
- ISNCSCI-UEMS >25,
- Pinch force > 25 N;
- Grasp force > 100 N;
- Able to perform the box and block test;
- Sitting tolerance for at least 1 hour (No known postural hypotension issues or pressure intolerance);
- Capable of providing an informed consent;
- Cleared by Neurosurgeons/Orthopaedic Surgeon for tSCS;
Exclusion Criteria11
- Participant has uncontrolled cardiopulmonary disease or cardiac symptoms as determined by the investigator.
- Participant has any unstable or significant medical condition that is likely to interfere with study procedures or likely to confound performance and outcomes like uncontrolled neuropathic pain, depression, severe cognitive impairment.
- Unstable or uncontrolled autonomic dysreflexia.
- Requires ventilator support.
- Spasms that limit the ability of the subjects to participate in the study training as determined by the investigator.
- Has an autoimmune etiology of spinal cord dysfunction/injury
- History of additional neurologic disease, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain Injury.
- Pain in shoulder and/or hand which will be inhibitory towards rehabilitative therapy.
- Severe Upper limb contractures.
- Acute Medical conditions to Upper limb (ie Fractures that would limit ROM and/or weightbearing).
- Participants who are pregnant.
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Interventions
Subject will undergo 16 sessions of Upper limb robotics training (ULRT) + tSCS+ conventional occupational therapy, 2 sessions a week for 8-10 weeks. Participants will use either H-Man arm rehabilitation robot or Esoglove™ PRO hand rehabilitation system, or both according to their functional impairment for ULRT. Participants will undergo conventional occupational therapy as prescribed by the attending occupational therapist based on their assessment. During tSCS, cathodes will be placed on the T11 and L1 spinous process. Reference/Ground electrodes placed over the ASIS. It will be on biphasic mode with a stimulation delivered at 30-50 Hz with a 10-kHz carrier frequency overlay, which consisted of 10 pulses with a 10-kHz frequency and 100-µs pulse width.Stimulation intensity ranges from 5-100 mA and will be adjusted according to the patient's response.The tSCS stimulation duration for each session will be 45 minutes in conjunction with the ULRT training.
Participants will undergo 16 sessions of ULRT + conventional occupational therapy in 8-10 weeks. Participants will use either H-Man arm rehabilitation robot or Esoglove™ PRO hand rehabilitation system, or both according to their functional impairment for ULRT. Participants will undergo conventional occupational therapy as prescribed by the attending occupational therapist based on their assessment.
Locations(1)
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NCT07432321