Clinical Research Directory

Activating Spinal Circuits to Improve Walking, Balance, Strength, and Reduce Spasticity

For many people with spinal cord injury (SCI), the goal of walking is a high priority. There are many approaches available to restore walking function after SCI; however, these approaches often involve extensive rehabilitation training and access to facilities, qualified staff, and advanced technology that make practicing walking at home difficult. For this reason, developing training approaches that could be easily performed in the home would be of great value. In addition, non-invasive spinal stimulation has the potential to increase the effectiveness of communication between the brain and spinal cord. Combining motor skill training (MST) with transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) may further enhance the restoration of function in persons with SCI. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine if moderate-intensity, MST can improve walking-related outcomes among persons with SCI and to determine if the addition of non-invasive TSS will result in greater improvements in function compared to training alone.

Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Genomic Sequencing Initiative (HSPseq)

The purpose of the HSP Sequencing Initiative is to better understand the role of genetics in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and related disorders. The HSPs are a group of more than 80 inherited neurological diseases that share the common feature of progressive spasticity. Collectively, the HSPs present the most common cause of inherited spasticity and associated disability, with a combined prevalence of 2-5 cases per 100,000 individuals worldwide. In childhood-onset forms, initial symptoms are often non-specific and many children may not receive a diagnosis until progressive features are recognized, often leading to a significant diagnostic delay. Genetic testing in children with spastic paraplegia is not yet standard practice. In this study, the investigators hope to identify genetic factors related to HSP. By identifying different genetic factors, the investigators hope that over time we can develop better treatments for sub-categories of HSP based on cause.

Radiosurgery Treatment for Spasticity Associated With Stroke, SCI & Cerebral Palsy

A scientific study is being done to test a special treatment for people who have spasticity or tight muscles. This treatment is called "stereotactic radiosurgery dorsal rhizotomy." It uses very accurate beams of radiation to target certain nerves in the back to help loosen up the muscles. In this study, people are put into two groups by chance: one group gets the real treatment, and the other group gets a "fake" treatment that doesn't do anything. This fake treatment is called a "sham." Doing this helps make sure the study is fair and the results are true. After the people in the study get their treatment, the researchers will watch and see how they do. They will check if their muscles are less stiff and if they have any side effects. By looking at the results from both groups, the researchers can find out if the special treatment really helps people with spasticity. Patients who got the "fake" treatment will be eligible to receive the "real" treatment after 6 months.

Operant Conditioning of Spinal Reflexes Training System--Reflex Operant Down Conditioning

The purpose of this study is to validate the capacity of a reflex training system to change the size of the targeted reflex. For this, the researchers are recruiting 25 individuals with chronic incomplete SCI who have spasticity in the leg to participate in the reflex training procedure. The study involves approximately 45 visits with a total study duration of about 6 months.

FlexWave Trial: Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Post-Stroke Upper Limb Spasticity

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has emerged as an effective therapeutic intervention for addressing post-stroke limb spasticity. This research aims to explore the therapeutic implications of focused ESWT for wrist and finger flexor muscles in patients suffering from post-stroke upper limb spasticity.

Investıgatıon Of The Effectıveness Of The Mollıı Suıt In Chıldren Wıth Ambulatory Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common developmental disorder in childhood. Individuals' independence in daily living activities and participation in education, games, social and community activities are restricted. Technology applications in the field of rehabilitation are gaining momentum. EXOPULSE Mollii Suit method, one of the newest rehabilitation technology products, is a non-invasive neuromodulation approach with a garment that covers the whole body and electrodes placed inside. Designed to improve motor function by reducing spasticity and pain, the method is based on the principle of reciprocal inhibition, which occurs by stimulating the antagonist of a spastic muscle at low frequencies and intensities. Therefore, the aim of our study is to examine the effectiveness of the Mollii Suit application on gross and fine motor function, spasticity severity, balance, walking, selective motor control, postural control, daily living activities, quality of life, pain and sleep quality in individuals with ambulatory spastic CP.

Study of Brain-spinal Cord Neural Connectivity in Spasticity

Little is known about the peripheral and central mechanisms of action of selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery for the treatment of spasticity. A better understanding of these mechanisms will enable us to improve the surgical procedure. This will require cortico-medullo-radiculo-muscular recordings never before performed and published in the literature, and the identification of variations in connectivity correlated with the clinic.

Vibrotactile Coordinated Reset for Spasticity After Spinal Cord Injury

The purpose of our study is to evaluate vibrotactile Coordinated Reset (vCR) and its effects on spasticity symptoms in incomplete spinal cord injured patients. vCR will be administered with a device called the Stanford CR Glove. vCR is expected to provide patients with a non-invasive alternative to the most widely used treatments such as oral baclofen and or deep brain stimulation. Patients will be followed for three months and will be asked to come to the lab for clinical testing 4 times during this period. A total of 30 patients will be included in the study.

Effect of Treatment Dairy for Spasticity

1. Assessing whether the treatment diary can help optimize the overall treatment of patients. 2. To assess whether the patient finds the treatment diary useful and worth spending time on. Also if the patient finds it easier to evaluate the treatment and, if necessary, set new goals. 3. To assess whether the patient's quality of life is increased by the use of the treatment diary.

Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Nerve Stimulation vs Body Rocking Exercises on Spasticity of Upper Limb

The primary aim of this study is to compare the effect of TANS and body rocking exercises on reducing upper limb spasticity in young stroke patients( under 50). Specific objectives include evaluating changes in muscle tone, motor function, pain reduction, and functional independence following each intervention.

Melpida: Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus (serotype 9) Encoding a Codon Optimized Human AP4M1 Transgene (hAP4M1opt)

MELPIDA is proposed for the treatment of subjects with SPG50 and targets neuronal cells to deliver a fully functional human AP4M1 cDNA copy via intrathecal injection to counter the associated neuronal loss. Outcomes will evaluate the safety and tolerability of a single dose of MELPIDA, which will be measured by the treatment-associated adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Secondarily, the trial will explore efficacy in terms of disease burden assessments.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Spastic Equinus Foot in Stroke Patients

The goal of this study is to evaluate long term effects of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (fESWT) on triceps surae spasticity in stroke patients according to the number of sessions applied. Hypothesis: 3 sessions of fESWT on equinus foot in stroke patients improve spasticity and functionality for longer term than 1 session of fESWT.

Identification of Sodium Channel Fragments as Serum Biomarkers of a Traumatic Central Nervous System Injury

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), 75% of patients develop spasticity of the limbs characterized by an increase in muscle tone causing severe pain. Currently, the diagnosis of spinal cord injury is based on clinical and radiological evaluation by CT and MRI, but there is no reliable biomarker capable of predicting the medium and long-term clinical course in terms of emergence and severity of spasticity and neurological recovery. Recently, pre-clinical models in rats have shown the presence of protein fragments from a cleavage of sodium channels in spinal cords below the level of injury. Other studies have also shown the presence of these fragments in the brain following a head injury. These fragments would be potentially useful as a biomarker of the SCI. The detection of sodium fragments would be potentially useful as a biomarker of a lesion of the central nervous system (spinal cord or brain) and of the severity of the spasticity in patients suffering from SCI. The main objective of this study is to detect the presence of sodium fragments in blood samples from patients with SCI from or brain injury. The secondary objectives will be to study the post-lesional / injury kinetics of sodium fragments, to determine their diagnostic values in terms of the severity of the injury, and their prognostic values concerning the emergence of the spasticity in patients with SCI. An initial prospective cohort will include 40 people. The fragments of sodium channels will be measured in blood samples taken within 6 hours post-trauma, then 1, 3, 5 and 7 days post-trauma, as well as 3 and 6 months post-trauma. The overall expression of sodium fragments will be compared to that of healthy controls. Participants will be recruited in the acute care units of the AP-HM. Participants will be recruited from the main acute care units of the AP-HM. Post-traumatic follow-up assessments during their rehabilitation will be carried out at 3 and 6 months in the neurosurgery department of North Hospital from APHM.

Obturator Cryoneurotomy for Hip Adductor Spasticity

The purpose of the study is to measure the effects of obturator nerve cryoneurotomy, on clinical measures in adult (ages 19+) and paediatric (ages 12-18) patients with hip adductor spasticity, who will receive this procedure as a part of their treatment based on the spasticity treatment available guidelines. The results will provide us valuable information like how long cryoneurotomy is effective, before regeneration happens

EXOPULSE Mollii Suit, Motor Function & Multiple Sclerosis (EXOSEP 2)

The goal of this clinical trial is to demonstrate the improvement of motor functions related symptoms in patients with MS and spasticity using Exopulse Mollii suit stimulation in Multiple Sclerosis patients with spasticity. The main questions it aims to answer are: * to evaluate the short-term impact of EXOPULSE Mollii suit on balance in adult MS patients suffering from spasticity. * to assess the effects of EXOPULSE Mollii suit on mobility, upper and lower limbs muscle tone, pain, fatigue and quality of life. Participants will participate in: * One baseline visit for inclusion during which the patient will undergo the first session (active or sham) along with evaluations (before and after the session) * One visit after two weeks during which the patient will undergo the second session (active or sham) along with evaluations (before and after the session) * One visit after two weeks of the second stimulation condition; the patients will undergo a third evaluation and receive the EXOPULSE Mollii Suit for the four-week open label phase and will use the suit at home for an active stimulation session every other day for four weeks. * One visit at the end of the open label phase to perform the fourth and last evaluation and return the EXOPULSE Mollii suit. Researchers will compare both Active and Sham groups to demonstrate the improvement of motor functions related symptoms in patients with MS and spasticity using Exopulse Mollii suit.

Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation for Lower Limb Spasticity in Spinal Cord Injury

Spasticity develops months after spinal cord injury (SCI) and persists over time. It presents as a mixture of tonic features, namely increased muscle tone (hypertonia) and phasic features, such as hyperactive reflexes (hyperreflexia), clonus, and involuntary muscle contractions (spasms). Spasticity is often disabling because it interferes with hygiene, transfers, and locomotion and can disturb sleep and cause pain. For these reasons, most individuals seek treatments for spasticity after SCI. New developments in electrical neuromodulation with transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) show promising results in managing spasticity non-pharmacologically. The underlying principle of TSS interventions is that the afferent input generated by posterior root stimulation modifies the excitability of the lumbosacral network to suppress pathophysiologic spinal motor output contributing to distinctive features of spasticity. However, the previous TSS studies used almost identical protocols in terms of stimulation frequency and intensity despite the great flexibility offered by this treatment strategy and the favorable results with the epidural stimulation at higher frequencies. Therefore, the proposed study takes a new direction to systematically investigate the standalone and comparative efficacy of four TSS interventions, including those used in previous studies. Our central hypothesis is that electrical neuromodulation with the selected TSS protocols (frequency: 50/100 Hz; intensity: 0.45 or 0.9 times the sub-motor threshold) can reduce and distinctly modify tonic and phasic components of spasticity on short- and long-term basis. We will test our hypothesis using a prospective, experimental, cross-over, assessor-masked study design in 12 individuals with chronic SCI (more than 1-year post-injury). Aim 1. Determine the time course of changes and immediate after-effects of each TSS protocol on tonic and phasic spasticity. The results will reveal the evolution of changes in spasticity during 30-min of TSS and the most effective protocol for producing immediate aftereffects. Aim 2. Determine the effect of TSS on spasticity after a trial of home-based therapy with each protocol. The participants will administer 30 min of TSS daily for six days with each of the four TSS protocols selected randomly. This aim will reveal the long-term carry-over effects of TSS intervention on various components of spasticity after SCI. Aim 3. Determine the participants' experience with TSS as a home-based therapy through focus group meetings. We will conduct focus group meetings after participants finish the home-based therapy trial. Accomplishing this specific aim will provide a valuable perspective on the value, challenges, and acceptability of TSS as a home-based intervention. The study addresses important questions for advancing scientific knowledge and clinical management of spasticity after SCI. Specifically, it will examine the efficacy of TSS frequencies and intensities on tonic and phasic spasticity. The study results will be relevant for a high proportion of individuals living with SCI that could benefit from this novel and low-cost non-pharmacological approach to managing spasticity after SCI.

The Muscle in Cerebral Palsy; Sarcomere Length in Vivo and Microscopic Characterization of Biopsies.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a motor impairment due to a brain malformation or a brain lesion before the age of two. Spasticity, hypertonus in flexor muscles, dyscoordination and an impaired sensorimotor control are cardinal symptoms. The brain lesion is non-progressive, but the flexor muscles of the limbs will during adolescence become relatively shorter and shorter (contracted), forcing the joints into a progressively flexed position. This will worsen the positions of already paretic and malfunctioning arms and legs. Due to bending forces across the joints, bony malformations will occur, worsening the function even further. Currently, the initial treatment of choice is the use of braces, which diminishes the shortening somewhat, but eventually lengthenings of tendons and release of aponeuroses around the muscles often is needed, and transfers of wrist flexors to wrist extensors may improve wrist position. But the long-term results are unpredictable- how much does the muscle need to be lengthened? What muscles should be transferred for a better position of the wrist, and at what tension? A method to measure sarcomere length in vivo has been developed. The sarcomere, the distance between two striations, is the smallest contractile unit in the striated muscle. When, during surgery, a muscle fiber bundle is transilluminated with a low energy laser light, a diffraction pattern is formed. This diffraction pattern reflects the sarcomere length, and thereby an instant measure of how the stretch of the muscle is obtained. When performing tendon transfers of e.g. wrist flexors to wrist extensors, the setting of the tension of the transfer is arbitrary, and the long-term result is unpredictable. Laser diffraction measurements will give a guide to a precise setting of tension. It is known that there may be pathological changes in muscle in cerebral palsy that also will affect the long-term results of tendon lengthenings and transfers. In order to also take these changes into account, small muscle biopsies will be taken during the same surgeries. These will be examined with immuno-histochemical and biochemical techniques, gel-electrophoresis as well as electron microscopy.