Clinical Study
Reflexes and Electrical Stimulation after Neurological Injury
The purpose of this study is to learn how reflexes (a muscle reaction in the body) change in the lower back after neurological (the body's nervous system) injuries such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or leg amputation using non-invasive electrical stimulation (a small pad placed on the skin outside of the body that sends electricity to a muscle). We want to learn how and what a person feels from the stimulation and if it helps improve stability during standing and walking. We also want to learn if there are changes in pain, quality of life, and spasms (a sudden muscle movement in the body) after receiving this stimulation. People in this study will be placed into two groups based on their condition. Group 1 is people who have had a transtibial (below knee) amputation. Group 2 is people with chronic transtibial (below the knee) amputation pain, stroke, or spinal cord injury affecting at least one leg for at least 6 months before participation. Being in the study requires up to 9 weeks and 4 study visits. Each visit will last up to 6 hours depending on what needs to occur at the visit. Medical tests will be done during the study to track the health of participants. Participants will be paid $75 for participation.
For more information contact:
Heidi Hansen
NERVES_Lab@utah.edu
8015852373
IRB#: IRB_00167330
| PI: Ashley Dalrymple
| Department: BIOENGINEERING
| Approval Date: 2023-12-21 07:00:00
Study Categories: Neurological Studies
| Specialties: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Who can participate?
Gender: All
Age: Over 18 years old
Volunteers: Volunteers with special conditions
Location: In Person
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18 to 80 years old
- A transtibial (below the knee) amputation in at least one leg or
- A stroke that affects at least one leg and occurred at least 6 months before participation or
- A spinal cord injury that affects at least one leg and occurred at least 6 months before participation
- Attend in person at the study center
Exclusion Criteria:
- An implanted electrical device such as a pacemaker
- More than 1 of the injuries (amputation, stroke, or spinal cord injury)
- A cauda equina injury (when the nerves in the lower back do not have feeling and/or movement)
Will I be paid for my time?
Yes