Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury

(STEP-RAISE Trial)

This trial aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of using electrical stimulation on the skin to help people regain movement after a spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants will receive either active or sham (placebo) electrical stimulation starting three days after their injury to assess improvements in movement ability. The trial seeks patients who have recently experienced a spinal cord injury affecting their neck or upper back and were admitted to the hospital within 12 hours of the injury.

As an unphased trial, this study offers patients the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance recovery options for spinal cord injuries.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is generally safe for people with spinal cord injuries. One study found that using tSCS alongside rehabilitation activities has a good safety record and does not cause major side effects, particularly concerning heart and blood pressure. Another study confirmed that tSCS is safe for use both in clinics and at home, and it can help improve strength in people with long-term spinal cord injuries.

Unlike the standard treatments for spinal cord injury, which often involve medication and physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (tSCS) offers a non-invasive approach by delivering electrical currents through the skin to stimulate nerve activity below the injury site. Researchers are excited about tSCS because it has the potential to enhance motor function and sensory recovery without the need for surgery or pharmaceuticals. This technique is particularly promising as it may offer quicker improvements in mobility and independence for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Research has shown that transcutaneous electrical stimulation (tSCS) may aid recovery from spinal cord injuries. In this trial, participants will receive either active tSCS or a sham treatment. Studies have found that tSCS can enhance balance, stability, and lower body movement, even in long-term cases. Patients who received tSCS alongside other treatments experienced better recovery after many sessions. Some benefits also included reduced pain following spinal cord injuries. Overall, early evidence suggests that tSCS might improve movement and recovery for those with spinal cord injuries.⁵⁶⁷⁸⁹