NCT06552611 Non-invasive Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation To Restore Upper Extremity Function in Multiple Sclerosis
| NCT ID | NCT06552611 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | Phase 1 |
| Sponsor | University of Washington |
| Condition | Multiple Sclerosis |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 4 participants |
| Start Date | 2024-08-08 |
| Primary Completion | 2025-07-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
Phase 1 is the earliest stage of human testing — safety and dosage are the primary focus. Visits are frequent and medical supervision is intensive. You will be among the first people to receive this treatment.
This trial targets 4 participants in total. It began in 2024-08-08 with a primary completion date of 2025-07-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Current disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) aim to prevent the development of new lesions; unfortunately, no current FDA-approved therapies promote central nervous system (CNS) repair mechanisms. Thus, strategies to promote functional recovery from lesion-related deficits in adults with MS remain an unmet need. This is a pilot study designed to test the feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of non-invasive (transcutaneous, applied by surface electrodes over the skin) electrical spinal cord stimulation combined with occupational therapy for restoring upper extremity sensorimotor function in adults with multiple sclerosis. Participants with multiple sclerosis and impaired upper extremity function will complete two separate 6-week intervention sessions: 6 weeks of occupational therapy combined with transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation and 6 weeks of occupational therapy alone. The order of these interventions will be randomized, and each intervention will be separated by a 6-week washout period. The investigators hypothesize that: 1. transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation combined with therapy will be feasible and acceptable by participants 2. transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation combined with therapy will lead to improvements in upper extremity function compared to occupational therapy alone 3. transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation combined with therapy will lead to improvements in symptoms related to quality of life (pain, spasticity, and bladder symptoms) compared to occupational therapy alone
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of MS 2. Age between 21 and 70 3. Presence of upper extremity functional impairment (correlating with raw score ≤34 on NeuroQOL Upper Extremity Function short-form questionnaire), 4. Ability to attend intervention and assessment sessions 3 times per week. 5. For women of childbearing potential, willingness to provide confirmation of a negative over-the-counter home pregnancy test within 2 weeks of study entry and prior to each intervention arm. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Relapse within the past 6 months (given that natural recovery from relapse could skew results) 2. Active implanted stimulator or baclofen pump 3. Upper extremity botox injection within the past 6 months 4. Unstable dalfampridine usage during study duration (which may interfere with functional outcomes) 5. Coexisting neurological condition that could interfere with interpretation of testing results (hx of stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy/seizure, ALS, spinal cord injury, central nervous system vasculitis, intracranial tumor, intracranial aneurysm, cervical myelopathy/radiculopathy or peripheral neuropathy (diabetic polyneuropathy, entrapment neuropathy), etc.) 6. History of major active psychiatric illness that could interfere with treatment, such as severe depression, alcohol/drug abuse, or dementia 7. Serious comorbidities (e.g., cardiac arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, respiratory disease, cancer, renal failure, chronic infectious disease, rheumatic disease, frequent UTIs, etc.) that would prevent participation in study activities 8. Presence of severe joint contractures in the affected hand and arm that may interfere with study activities or outcome measures 9. Severe spasticity, as defined by an Ashworth score of 4 in both sides of the upper limb 10. Pregnant and/or breastfeeding 11. Lack of ability to fully comprehend, cooperate, and/or safely perform study procedures in the investigator's opinion/judgment 12. Inability to give consent
Contact & Investigator
Sarah Simmons, MD, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
University of Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06552611 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 21 Years or older, up to 70 Years, studying Multiple Sclerosis. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
What phase is the NCT06552611 trial and what does that mean for participants?
Phase 1 trials are the first stage of human testing. The primary goal is to assess safety and determine appropriate dosage levels. Participants are closely monitored. These trials typically involve a small number of volunteers.
Is NCT06552611 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06552611 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at sbs2@uw.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06552611 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Seattle, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06552611 clinical trial?
NCT06552611 is sponsored by University of Washington. The principal investigator is Sarah Simmons, MD, PhD at University of Washington. The trial plans to enroll 4 participants.
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