๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-07-20

Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Combined With Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation: Effect on Imaging and Serum Biomarkers of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Bone Strength. (NCT07418398)

Exoskeletal-assisted Walking Combined With Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation: Effect on Imaging and Serum Biomarkers of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Bone Strength

๐ŸŸก Not Yet Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic โš™๏ธ Medical Device Protocol Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Immobilization following spinal cord injury (SCI) results in muscle and bone loss below the level of injury, which ultimately predisposes to fracture at several sites throughout the legs and can lead to several medical complications that can devastate quality of life. There is a scarcity of research that has successfully implemented rehabilitation and/or exercise training interventions to preserve the musculoskeletal system during the acute phase SCI, or possibly reverse the muscle and bone loss that has already occurred in chronic SCI. This study will compare the effect of exoskeleton-assisted walking (EAW) training combined with transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) (EAW + active tSCS), to that of EAW + sham tSCS, on measures of muscle and bone health in a cohort of chronically injured motor incomplete SCI. A successful outcome would expand treatment options to improve musculoskeletal health over the lifetime.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Kessler Foundation โ€” West Orange, New Jersey

Age range: 21 Years to 60 Years

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)

  • Kessler Foundation โ€” West Orange, New Jersey
  • James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY โ€” The Bronx, New York

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (973) 731-3900

Email: christopher.cirnigliaro@va.gov

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—