Non-invasive spinal cord stimulation for cardiovascular recovery following spinal cord injury: A pilot clinical trial

Blood pressure dysfunction following spinal cord injury (SCI) decreases quality of life, delays rehabilitation, and is rated as a top priority for recovery for individuals with SCI. Non-invasive spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a promising treatment to improve BP control. However, the best position to deliver this therapy along the spine, and the physiological mechanisms behind this therapy, remain unclear.
This study aims to compare the effects of mid-back and lower-back SCS on BP regulation in real time and after long-term stimulation (3x/week for 8 weeks). We will also investigate the mechanisms by which both real-time and long-term stimulation improves BP control. We will do this by performing analysis on heart rate and BP signals, and measure blood biomarkers. The results from this pilot clinical trial will provide the necessary evidence to conduct a larger multi-center clinical trial.
This award is co-funded by the Canadian Training Platform for Trials Leveraging Existing Networks (CAN-TAP-TALENT) and is a part of the Canadian Clinical Trials Platform competition.