Spinal Stimulation + Gait Training for Spinal Cord Injury

(CIMELocomotion Trial)

This trial aims to determine if combining spinal stimulation with gait training helps individuals with recent spinal cord injuries improve leg movement. Researchers seek to assess whether this combination is safe and enhances muscle activity more than gait training alone. Participants will either undergo regular gait training or receive it with added spinal stimulation to evaluate which method is more effective. The trial seeks individuals who have experienced a spinal injury within the past six months, can stand with or without assistance for at least 10 minutes, and can follow instructions in French or English. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance rehabilitation techniques for spinal cord injuries.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes those with medications or implants that might interfere with rehabilitation or spinal stimulation. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.

Research has shown that using transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) with walking exercises is generally safe for people with spinal cord injuries. In earlier studies, combining tSCS with activity-based therapy did not raise any serious safety issues. Participants experienced only minor side effects, such as skin irritation.

When tSCS was used with walking exercises, it improved walking in people with long-term spinal cord injuries. Participants accepted the treatment well, and safety information from these studies supports its use.

Researchers are excited about spinal stimulation combined with gait training for spinal cord injury because it offers a new approach to enhancing movement. While traditional treatments often focus on physical therapy alone, this method uses transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to actively engage spinal circuits involved in locomotion. This stimulation is thought to facilitate voluntary movements and bolster the effects of gait training. By precisely targeting the spinal cord, the technique aims to improve walking abilities more effectively than current options, potentially leading to greater independence for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Research has shown that adding transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to walking exercises can enhance leg movement in individuals with long-term spinal cord injuries. This trial will compare two approaches: one group will receive active tSCS combined with gait training, while another group will receive sham tSCS with gait training alone. Active stimulation activates the spinal nerves that control walking. Studies have found that combining tSCS with activity-based therapy (ABT) can improve leg recovery even more than a year after an injury. Using tSCS with walking exercises can lead to better muscle use and movement, suggesting it might also benefit those with newer injuries. Overall, tSCS is a promising method for improving movement in people with spinal cord injuries.¹²⁴⁶⁷