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NOT YET RECRUITING
NCT07586644
NA

Combined rTMS and tSCS for Upper Limb Recovery in Cervical SCI

Sponsor: National University Hospital, Singapore

View on ClinicalTrials.gov

Summary

This clinical trial investigates whether combining cortical and spinal neuromodulation can improve upper limb motor recovery in adults with chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Restoring upper limb function is the top rehabilitation priority for individuals with tetraplegia, yet effective interventions remain limited. The study combines transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), which enhances spinal circuit excitability, with intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation that increases cortical excitability and strengthens descending motor pathways. While each approach has shown independent promise, their combined use has not been evaluated in a controlled trial. Eligible participants are adults aged 21-65 with chronic (\>12 months post-injury) incomplete cervical SCI (ASIA Impairment Scale grade C or D, levels C2-C8). A total of 24 participants will be randomised 1:1 to either combined iTBS and tSCS plus standardised upper limb rehabilitation, or tSCS plus rehabilitation alone, across 24 sessions over 12 weeks. The primary outcome is change in Upper Extremity Motor Score from baseline to week 12. Secondary outcomes cover functional performance, independence, spasticity, corticospinal excitability, quality of life, and goal attainment. Assessments occur at baseline, post-intervention, and at 4- and 12-week follow-up. As a pilot randomised controlled trial, this study will generate the first controlled evidence on adjunctive cortical neuromodulation alongside tSCS-based rehabilitation, while also producing feasibility data to inform the design of a future definitive multicentre trial.

Official title: Combined Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation for Upper Limb Recovery in Chronic Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Key Details

Gender

All

Age Range

21 Years - 65 Years

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Enrollment

24

Start Date

2027-03-30

Completion Date

2028-12-30

Last Updated

2026-05-14

Healthy Volunteers

No

Interventions

DEVICE

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that enhances cortical excitability and corticospinal drive. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a brief patterned form of rTMS, produces lasting facilitatory effects and is more time-efficient. Evidence indicates rTMS improves motor function, reduces spasticity, and enhances neuroplasticity in SCI.

DEVICE

Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that delivers electrical stimulation over the spine to activate sensory afferents and enhance spinal motor circuit excitability. Early studies showed it can enable voluntary movement even in motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI), with subsequent research demonstrating improvements in motor function, standing, and walking in incomplete SCI. Evidence suggests tSCS modulates both spinal and corticospinal pathways, supporting neuroplasticity. The Up-LIFT trial (2024) provided strong clinical evidence, showing that tSCS combined with rehabilitation significantly improved upper limb strength and function in chronic cervical SCI, with 72% of participants meeting effectiveness endpoints and no serious adverse events. Later studies confirmed its safety in home and community settings, though standardization and larger trials remain needed.

Locations (1)

Alexandra Hospital/ National University Hospital

Singapore, Singapore