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| ID | Type | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIH/NICHD 5P2CHD08685 | Other Grant/Funding Number | REACT Center Pilot Studies Program | |
| OCR16206 | Other Identifier | UF ID |
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| Name | Class |
|---|---|
| National Institutes of Health (NIH) | NIH |
| Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) | NIH |
| Brooks Rehabilitation | OTHER |
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This pilot study will investigate the effects of transcutaneous direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on walking function in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. Following rehabilitation, individuals with ISCI often demonstrate improved walking function, but continue to have serious impairments that limit mobility, community participation and quality of life. Adjuvants to rehabilitation that increase spinal excitation during training may enhance its effectiveness. tsDCS is a non-invasive neuromodulation approach that uses a mild electrical current, applied over the skin of the low back, to alter the membrane potential of spinal neurons. tsDCS will be applied during locomotor training, a well-established rehabilitation strategy that promotes walking recovery. Locomotor training emphasizes repetitive and task-specific practice of coordinated walking, often with therapist assistance or cueing to promote high quality movement patterns. The study team will explore if tsDCS combined with locomotor training increases spinal excitation and thereby improves the effectiveness of walking rehabilitation.
The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the effects of transcutaneous direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on locomotor function and rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI). tsDCS is a mild, non-invasive form of electrical stimulation that can alter spinal cord excitability.
Specific Aim 1: To test the hypothesis that tsDCS applied during walking will improve motor activation in adults with chronic ISCI. A random order, double blind cross-over study will be conducted across two test sessions to compare the immediate effects of two dosages of tsDCS during walking. To assess motor activation, the primary outcome measure will be lower extremity surface electromyography.
Specific Aim 2 (Interventional): To test the hypothesis that tsDCS applied during 16 sessions of locomotor training will improve functional walking outcomes. Participants will be randomized to receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with one of the two tsDCS dosages. The primary outcome is walking function as measured by standardized clinical tests of walking speed and endurance.
To address the aims of the study, the investigators will use a two-part study design. Following phone and in-person screenings and physician approval, individuals will provide informed consent to the study procedures. In the first part, participants will complete two separate testing sessions, presented in random order, that involve up to 30 minutes of tsDCS at one of two dosages levels while walking. The researchers will assess changes in motor activation before and at the end of the period of walking. For the second part, participants will be randomized to receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with one of the two dosages of tsDCS. Before and after the 16-session intervention (i.e., at baseline and post intervention), the study team will assess functional outcomes through standardized tests of walking speed and endurance.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate effects low dose tsDCS | Experimental | Participants will receive one session of walking with a lower dosage of stimulation using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. During each session, participants will be asked to walk for up to 30 minutes on a treadmill while the stimulation is delivered. Assessments will be completed before and after the bout of treadmill walking. |
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| Immediate effects higher dose tsDCS | Experimental | Participants will receive one session of walking with a higher dosage of stimulation using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. During each session, participants will be asked to walk for up to 30 minutes on a treadmill while the stimulation is delivered. Assessments will be completed before and after the bout of treadmill walking. |
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| Interventional effects: Lower dosage | Experimental | After completing the 2 sessions of the first part of the study, the participants will be randomized to two groups for the second part of the study. Those in the lower dosage group will receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with tsDCS stimulation applied at the lower dosage for up to 30 minutes using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. The training sessions will be scheduled 4 days per week for 4 weeks. All training will be overseen by a physical therapist with experience in SCI walking rehabilitation and will involve the use of an overhead support harness. |
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| Interventional effects: Higher dosage |
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator | Device | tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in 10-Meter Walk Test (Interventional) | Performance assessment of comfortable and fastest safe walking speed for 10 meters. A reduced time (in seconds) to complete the 10-Meter Walk Test reflects improvement in walking function. | Baseline; Week 4 |
| Change in Plantar Flexor Muscle Electromyogram Activation During Walking (Immediate Effects) | The change in normalized amplitude of muscle activation recorded from the right ankle plantar flexor muscles (soleus and gastrocnemius) will be reported. EMGs will be recorded during speed-matched trials during walking on a treadmill. The normalized mean activation during single limb stance will be quantified for each step and averaged. For each participant, the change in activation will be quantified by subtracting activation pre training from post-training activation. The mean change and standard deviation of change will be reported for each group. | Baseline; 1 hour |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in 6-Minute Walk Test (Interventional) | The 6-Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) is a submaximal exercise test that entails measurement of distance walked over a span of 6 minutes. An increase in the number of meters walked during this assessment reflects an improvement in walking endurance. | Baseline; Week 4 |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Emily Fox, PT, PhD | University of Florida | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital | Jacksonville | Florida | 32216 | United States |
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Enrolled individuals were initially assigned to the 'Immediate effects' group. After completion of this arm, the same individuals were randomly assigned to either the Higher dosage or lower dosage interventional group (n=4 per group) Thus, only 8 individuals started and completed all procedures.
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| ID | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FG000 | Part 1: Immediate Effects: tsDCS Lower Dose First, Then Higher Dose | lower dosage tsDCS using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator followed by higher dosage tsDCS. During each session, participants will be asked to walk for up to 30 minutes on a treadmill while the stimulation is delivered. Assessments will be completed before and after the bout of treadmill walking. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. |
| FG001 | Part 2: Interventional Effects - Lower Dosage | After completing the 2 sessions of the first part of the study, the participants will be randomized to two groups for the second part of the study. Those in the lower dosage group will receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with tsDCS stimulation applied at the lower dosage for up to 30 minutes using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. The training sessions will be scheduled 4 days per week for 4 weeks. All training will be overseen by a physical therapist with experience in SCI walking rehabilitation and will involve the use of an overhead support harness. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. Locomotor training: Participants will complete 16 sessions of locomotor training (4 times per week for 4 weeks). This involves walking on a treadmill for up to 30 minutes with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety, followed by 10 minutes of overground walking training; with physical assistance as needed. |
| FG002 | Part 2: Interventional Effects - Higher Dosage | After completing the 2 sessions of the first part of the study, the participants will be randomized to two groups for the second part of the study. Those in the higher dosage group will receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with tsDCS stimulation applied at the higher dosage for up to 30 minutes using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. The training sessions will be scheduled 4 days per week for 4 weeks. All training will be overseen by a physical therapist with experience in SCI walking rehabilitation and will involve the use of an overhead support harness. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. Locomotor training: Participants will complete 16 sessions of locomotor training (4 times per week for 4 weeks). This involves walking on a treadmill for up to 30 minutes with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety, followed by 10 minutes of overground walking training; with physical assistance as needed. |
| Title | Milestones | Reasons Not Completed | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 Immediate Effects tsDCS Lower |
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| Part 1 Immediate Effects tsDCS Higher |
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| Part 2 Interventional - Randomized |
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| ID | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BG000 | Interventional Effects: Lower Dosage | After completing the 2 sessions of the first part of the study, the participants will be randomized to two groups for the second part of the study. Those in the lower dosage group will receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with tsDCS stimulation applied at the lower dosage for up to 30 minutes using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. The training sessions will be scheduled 4 days per week for 4 weeks. All training will be overseen by a physical therapist with experience in SCI walking rehabilitation and will involve the use of an overhead support harness. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. Locomotor training: Participants will complete 16 sessions of locomotor training (4 times per week for 4 weeks). This involves walking on a treadmill for up to 30 minutes with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety, followed by 10 minutes of overground walking training; with physical assistance as needed. |
| Units | Counts |
|---|---|
| Participants |
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| Title | Description | Population Description | Parameter Type | Dispersion Type | Unit of Measure | Calculate Percentage | Denominator Units Selected | Denominators | Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Categorical | Count of Participants |
| Type | Title | Description | Population Description | Reporting Status | Anticipated Posting Date | Parameter Type | Dispersion Type | Unit of Measure | Calculate Percentage | Time Frame | Units Analyzed | Denominator Units Selected | Arm/Group Information | Denominators | Classes | Analyses | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Change in 10-Meter Walk Test (Interventional) | Performance assessment of comfortable and fastest safe walking speed for 10 meters. A reduced time (in seconds) to complete the 10-Meter Walk Test reflects improvement in walking function. | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | meters/second | Baseline; Week 4 |
|
eight weeks
Adverse events were collected in accordance with the definition used by clinicaltrials.gov. Additionally, participants were monitored during all study sessions using a standardized questionnaire and asked to report changes in health and function status.
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| ID | Title | Description | Deaths (Affected) | Deaths (At Risk) | Serious Events (Affected) | Serious Events (At Risk) | Other Events (Affected) | Other Events (At Risk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EG000 | Part 1: Immediate Effects: tsDCS Lower Dose First, Then Higher Dose | lower dosage tsDCS using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator followed by higher dosage tsDCS. During each session, participants will be asked to walk for up to 30 minutes on a treadmill while the stimulation is delivered. Assessments will be completed before and after the bout of treadmill walking. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. |
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| Term | Organ System | Source Vocabulary | Assessment Type | Notes | Statistical Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| skin abrasion or lesion | Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Systematic Assessment | skin redness or abrasion |
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| Title | Organization | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emily J Fox, Research Associate Professor | University of Florida | 352-273-6085 | ejfox@phhp.ufl.edu |
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| Type | Includes Protocol | Includes SAP | Includes ICF | Document Label | Document Date | Document Uploaded Date | Document File Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prot_SAP | Yes | Yes | No | Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan | Apr 25, 2019 | Oct 6, 2022 | Prot_SAP_000.pdf |
| ICF | No | No | Yes | Informed Consent Form | Jan 4, 2021 | May 9, 2024 | ICF_001.pdf |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D013119 | Spinal Cord Injuries |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D013118 | Spinal Cord Diseases |
| D002493 | Central Nervous System Diseases |
| D009422 | Nervous System Diseases |
| D020196 | Trauma, Nervous System |
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Participants will be randomized to receive either 16 sessions of locomotor training with lower or higher dosage tsDCS, but will be unaware of the stimulation dosage level.
| Experimental |
After completing the 2 sessions of the first part of the study, the participants will be randomized to two groups for the second part of the study. Those in the higher dosage group will receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with tsDCS stimulation applied at the higher dosage for up to 30 minutes using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. The training sessions will be scheduled 4 days per week for 4 weeks. All training will be overseen by a physical therapist with experience in SCI walking rehabilitation and will involve the use of an overhead support harness. |
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| Locomotor training | Other | Participants will complete 16 sessions of locomotor training (4 times per week for 4 weeks). This involves walking on a treadmill for up to 30 minutes with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety, followed by 10 minutes of overground walking training; with physical assistance as needed. |
|
| NOT COMPLETED |
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| NOT COMPLETED |
|
| BG001 | Interventional Effects: Higher Dosage | After completing the 2 sessions of the first part of the study, the participants will be randomized to two groups for the second part of the study. Those in the higher dosage group will receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with tsDCS stimulation applied at the higher dosage for up to 30 minutes using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. The training sessions will be scheduled 4 days per week for 4 weeks. All training will be overseen by a physical therapist with experience in SCI walking rehabilitation and will involve the use of an overhead support harness. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. Locomotor training: Participants will complete 16 sessions of locomotor training (4 times per week for 4 weeks). This involves walking on a treadmill for up to 30 minutes with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety, followed by 10 minutes of overground walking training; with physical assistance as needed. |
| BG002 | Total | Total of all reporting groups |
| Participants |
|
| Age, Continuous | Mean | Standard Deviation | years |
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| Sex: Female, Male | Count of Participants | Participants |
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| Race (NIH/OMB) | Count of Participants | Participants |
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| Region of Enrollment | Number | participants |
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| OG001 | Interventional Effects: Lower Dosage | After completing the 2 sessions of the first part of the study, the participants will be randomized to two groups for the second part of the study. Those in the lower dosage group will receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with tsDCS stimulation applied at the lower dosage for up to 30 minutes using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. The training sessions will be scheduled 4 days per week for 4 weeks. All training will be overseen by a physical therapist with experience in SCI walking rehabilitation and will involve the use of an overhead support harness. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. Locomotor training: Participants will complete 16 sessions of locomotor training (4 times per week for 4 weeks). This involves walking on a treadmill for up to 30 minutes with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety, followed by 10 minutes of overground walking training; with physical assistance as needed. |
|
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| Primary | Change in Plantar Flexor Muscle Electromyogram Activation During Walking (Immediate Effects) | The change in normalized amplitude of muscle activation recorded from the right ankle plantar flexor muscles (soleus and gastrocnemius) will be reported. EMGs will be recorded during speed-matched trials during walking on a treadmill. The normalized mean activation during single limb stance will be quantified for each step and averaged. For each participant, the change in activation will be quantified by subtracting activation pre training from post-training activation. The mean change and standard deviation of change will be reported for each group. | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | mV | Baseline; 1 hour |
|
|
|
| Secondary | Change in 6-Minute Walk Test (Interventional) | The 6-Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) is a submaximal exercise test that entails measurement of distance walked over a span of 6 minutes. An increase in the number of meters walked during this assessment reflects an improvement in walking endurance. | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | meters | Baseline; Week 4 |
|
|
|
| 0 |
| 8 |
| 0 |
| 8 |
| 0 |
| 8 |
| EG001 | Part 2: Interventional Effects - Higher Dosage | After completing the 2 sessions of the first part of the study, the participants will be randomized to two groups for the second part of the study. Those in the higher dosage group will receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with tsDCS stimulation applied at the higher dosage for up to 30 minutes using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. The training sessions will be scheduled 4 days per week for 4 weeks. All training will be overseen by a physical therapist with experience in SCI walking rehabilitation and will involve the use of an overhead support harness. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. Locomotor training: Participants will complete 16 sessions of locomotor training (4 times per week for 4 weeks). This involves walking on a treadmill for up to 30 minutes with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety, followed by 10 minutes of overground walking training; with physical assistance as needed. | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| EG002 | Part 2: Interventional Effects - Lower Dosage | After completing the 2 sessions of the first part of the study, the participants will be randomized to two groups for the second part of the study. Those in the lower dosage group will receive 16 sessions of locomotor training with tsDCS stimulation applied at the lower dosage for up to 30 minutes using the Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator. The training sessions will be scheduled 4 days per week for 4 weeks. All training will be overseen by a physical therapist with experience in SCI walking rehabilitation and will involve the use of an overhead support harness. Soterix Medical tsDCS stimulator: tsDCS will be delivered to the lumbar region of the spinal cord with electrodes placed over the low back and abdomen. The electrodes will be secured with a large elastic bandage so that stimulation can be applied for up to 30 minutes during locomotor training with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety. A physical therapist will supervise the session. Locomotor training: Participants will complete 16 sessions of locomotor training (4 times per week for 4 weeks). This involves walking on a treadmill for up to 30 minutes with a harness attached to the ceiling for safety, followed by 10 minutes of overground walking training; with physical assistance as needed. | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
|
| muscle tightness or spasm | Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Systematic Assessment | muscle spasticity or spasms |
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| pain/discomfort | Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Systematic Assessment |
|
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| D014947 | Wounds and Injuries |