Non-invasive spinal cord electrical stimulation for arm and hand function in chronic tetraplegia: a safety and efficacy trial

Cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI) often cause permanent difficulties with arm and hand movement. Our lab participated in a study to test ARCEX Therapy, a new treatment that uses electrical stimulation applied over the cervical spinal cord during rehabilitation to improve these functions. Sixty participants with chronic SCI took part in the trial, which focused on two main goals: ensuring the therapy was safe and determining if it was more effective than standard rehabilitation alone.

The results were promising. No serious side effects related to ARCEX Therapy were reported, confirming its safety. Additionally, 72% of participants showed significant improvements in both strength and functional abilities, exceeding what would typically be expected from rehabilitation alone. Participants also reported increased hand strength, improved pinch force, enhanced motor and sensory skills, and a better overall quality of life. These findings demonstrate that ARCEX Therapy is a safe and effective option for improving hand and arm function in people with cervical SCI. For more information, refer to ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04697472.

Nat Med. 2024 May;30(5):1276-1283. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-02940-9. Epub 2024 May 20. PMID:38769431 | PMC:PMC11108781 | DOI:10.1038/s41591-024-02940-9