Not yet recruitingEARLY_PHASE1INTERVENTIONAL

tESCS for Upper Limb Rehab in Spinal Cord Injury

This research is investigating a new way to help people who have recently had a spinal cord injury, especially those affecting arm and hand movement. It involves sending small electrical pulses (called tESCS) to the spinal cord through the skin, while they also receive their usual arm and hand therapy. We know from previous studies that tESCS can help people with older spinal cord injuries, but we want to see if it works for new injuries too. The aim is to make arm and hand recovery faster and better, which could lead to more independence and potentially shorter hospital stays. We are comparing this new treatment with standard therapy to see if it makes a difference.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

EARLY_PHASE1

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

Start

01 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

What is this study about?

When someone has a spinal cord injury, especially one high up in the neck, it can greatly affect their ability to use their arms and hands. Getting this movement back is really important for everyday tasks and becoming more independent. This study is exploring a treatment called transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tESCS). It sounds complicated, but it simply means we're using small, safe electrical pulses delivered through sticky pads on the skin, over the spine. The idea is that these gentle pulses can help 'wake up' and strengthen the connections in the spinal cord that control arm and hand movements.

We know from past research that tESCS, when given alongside regular arm and hand exercises, has helped some people who have lived with spinal cord injuries for a while. However, we don't yet know if it's helpful for people who have just had a spinal cord injury. This study will help us understand if tESCS can be easily used during regular therapy sessions for people in hospital. We will be comparing how people recover with and without tESCS to see if it makes a positive difference.

Ultimately, if this study shows good results, tESCS could become a standard part of recovery for people after a new spinal cord injury. This could mean they get better faster, achieve more movement in their arms and hands, and potentially spend less time in hospital. This would improve their quality of life and help them regain independence sooner.

Key takeaways

This study explores gentle electrical pulses (tESCS) to improve arm and hand function.
It's for people with new spinal cord injuries, combined with regular therapy.
Aims to achieve faster, better recovery and more independence.
Compares active stimulation with a 'sham' (inactive) treatment.
Risks are generally low, mainly mild skin irritation.
Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw anytime.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be 18 years or older. You should have had your spinal cord injury at least six weeks ago, especially if you had surgery to stabilise your spine. You also need to have some movement in your arms and hands, but not too much, as we are looking to see if the treatment can improve this. It's important that you are generally well, can breathe on your own, and are able to sit up for more than two hours a day. You'll also need to be receiving regular arm and hand therapy at the QENSIU and be staying in hospital long enough to complete the study.

There are some reasons why you couldn't take part. These include if your spinal injury is unstable, if you need help breathing during the day, or if you have certain types of metal implants in your body that haven't been confirmed as safe with this type of stimulation. We also can't include you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have another brain or nerve condition, severe ongoing muscle stiffness, or significant depression. If you have severe heart problems, significant skin conditions where the pads would go, or current infections, you also wouldn't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years or older?
Did your spinal cord injury happen at least 6 weeks ago?
Are you able to breathe independently?
Can you sit up for more than 2 hours a day?
Are you currently receiving arm and hand therapy in hospital at QENSIU?
Do you have some, but limited, movement in your arms and hands?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll continue with your usual arm and hand therapy. Additionally, if you're in the active treatment group, you'll receive the gentle electrical stimulation (tESCS) during some of these therapy sessions. We don't give any new medications. We'll regularly check your arm and hand movement and strength to see how you're progressing. The total time you'd be involved in the study would depend on your rehabilitation plan, but it will be for the duration of the intervention, which aligns with your planned hospital stay for therapy.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of potentially improved and faster recovery of arm and hand function compared to standard therapy alone, which could lead to greater independence. However, as this is an early-stage study, we can't guarantee any benefits. Potential risks are generally low, with mild skin irritation from the sticky pads being the most common. We will be carefully monitoring you throughout. Remember, deciding whether or not to join is completely up to you, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What exactly is tESCS?

tESCS stands for transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation. It's a method where soft electrical pulses are sent through pads placed on your skin over your spine, aimed at helping your nerves and muscles work better.

Will the electrical pulses hurt?

The electrical pulses are usually described as a gentle tingling or buzzing sensation. They should not be painful, and the levels are carefully controlled.

Is this a new treatment?

The general idea of tESCS has been studied for a while in people with older spinal cord injuries. What's new here is testing it for people who have very recently had a spinal cord injury.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or the sham?

No, you won't know. Some participants will get the actual electrical pulses, and others will get a 'sham' (pretend) stimulation that feels similar but isn't active. This helps us fairly compare the effects.

What happens if I don't want to continue in the study?

You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason. Your decision will not affect your ongoing medical care or rehabilitation.

How to find out more

Mariel A Purcell, MB CHB BAO

margaret.purcell@ggc.scot.nhs.uk +44 141 201 2536 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.