Operant conditioning of the wrist extensor motor evoked potential to target corticospinal plasticity and upper limb motor recovery after cervical spinal cord injury

Date Added
April 1st, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00138869
Researcher
Allison Lewis

List of Studies

Keywords
Central Nervous System, Nervous System, Rehabilitation Studies, Spinal Cord
Summary

Individuals with chronic cervical spinal cord injury will complete a 10-week training protocol where they receive non-invasive brain stimulation and feedback on the size of the corresponding muscle response (wrist extensor). We will assess the impact of the brain stimulation training on 1) the brain-to-spinal cord-to-muscle connection and 2) motor functions of the arm and hand. Also, brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging will be collected before and after the training. The imaging measurements will tell us about how spinal damage, brain function, and brain structure relate to motor presentation and the response to the training.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Blair Dellenbach
843-792-6313
stecb@musc.edu

Can MEP conditioning improve corticospinal recruitment of motoneurons in chronic cervical SCI?

Date Added
July 1st, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00145581
Researcher
Aiko Thompson

List of Studies


Keywords
Movement Disorders, Rehabilitation Studies, Spinal Cord
Summary

The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of a brain stimulation training to improve the function of brain-spinal cord- muscle connections.Because brain-to-muscle pathways are very important in our movement control, restoring function of these pathways may improve movement problems after injuries. Spinal cord injury causes damage to the brain-to-muscle connection. However, when the injury is "incomplete", there is a possibility that some of the brain-to-muscle pathways are still connected and may be trained to improve movement function. For examining brain-to-muscle pathways, we use a transcranial magnetic stimulator. We hope that the results of this research study will help us develop new treatments for people who have movement disabilities. This study will require about 42 visits over the first 14 weeks, and another 6 visits over an additional 3 months. Each visit will take about 1 ½ hours.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Blair Dellenbach
843-792-6313
stecb@musc.edu

Acute characterization of neurophysiological, functional, and quality of life measurements in people with and without neurological injury

Date Added
July 7th, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00148164
Researcher
Aiko Thompson

List of Studies


Keywords
Nerve, Non-interventional, Spinal Cord
Summary

The purpose of this research study is to learn how the nervous system functions in individuals with and without spinal cord injury, and examine how this relates to function. As part of this study, procedures may include nerve stimulation, brain stimulation, imaging (MRI), walking assessments, measures of brain activity, sensation testing, measures of arm or leg function, and self-report measures regarding daily activities and quality of life. The duration of participation depends on the number of procedures to which an individual is consented.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Blair Dellenbach
843-792-6313
stecb@musc.edu

Spinal Nociceptive and Non-Nociceptive Processing of Cutaneous Input in People with SCI

Date Added
August 4th, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00151610
Researcher
Aiko Thompson

List of Studies


Keywords
Nervous System, Pain, Spinal Cord
Summary

This study aims to explore how painful and non-painful stimuli are processed in people with and without nerve pain with chronic SCI. We are recruiting individuals with spinal cord injury at T11 and above, with or without neuropathic pain in the leg, and who are able to stand with or without an assistive device. Study participation involves 3 in-person visits, each of which will last 2-3 hours. Compensation and mileage reimbursement are available for all study visits.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Blair Dellenbach
843-792-6313
stecb@musc.edu



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