Epidural Stimulation to Restore Voluntary Movement Following Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injuries
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Spinal Cord Injuries
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: AIS B SCI diagnosis Beyond 6 months of injury date SCI at a level range of C7-T8 with signs of upper motor neuron injury 18 years or older Height 5'1" to 6'3" Weight 250 lbs or less Sufficient upper extremity strength to manage a stability aide MRI evidence of spared spinal cord neural fibers Exclusion Criteria: Claustrophobia and/or other contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Unstable or symptomatic cardiorespiratory issues, in the opinion of the investigators Recent (within 3 months) history of fracture, contractures, pressure sore, DVT, urinary tract infection, or other infections that might interfere with interventions Contraindications to epidural stimulator implantation surgery Received botox injections into the lower extremities within the past 6 months Pregnancy Cauda Equina injury Any other neurological disorder besides SCI
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Experimental
Epidural stimulation with PT
Stimulation parameters will be optimized for each lower extremity and joint movement. During physical therapy sessions, electrode configurations may be adjusted as needed to optimize stimulation frequencies, and voltage intensity ranges to best enable voluntary control of lower extremity (ankle, knee, and hip) flexion and extension, as well as standing. Intensive physical therapy will consist of 3 visits per week over the course of 6 months directed by a licensed physical therapist with over a decade of experience working with individuals with SCI, and the epidural stimulator will be ON continuously during these sessions. Physical therapy will involve neurorehabilitation to facilitate voluntary lower extremity movement in the presence of stimulation, with the research participants in the supine, seated, and standing positions.