Plain-English translation of NCT03096197 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing whether combining two therapies—robotic exoskeleton-assisted walking and transcutaneous lumbosacral stimulation (TLS), which is a non-invasive electrical stimulation applied to the lower back—can help people with incomplete spinal cord injuries walk better. Half of the participants will receive the exoskeleton walking training with the electrical stimulation, while the other half will receive the walking training alone, so researchers can compare which approach works best.
Many people with spinal cord injuries lose the ability to walk, even with years of rehabilitation. Researchers want to know if combining robotic walking assistance with gentle electrical stimulation of the spinal nerves might help the nervous system relearn how to walk and improve recovery beyond what either treatment alone can achieve.
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You would come to the clinic 3 times per week for 28 weeks (80 total sessions), each lasting about 75 minutes. During each session, you would wear a robotic exoskeleton that helps support and move your legs while you walk, practice different walking patterns (on flat surfaces, carpets, ramps, and through doorways), and do sit-to-stand exercises. If you're in the stimulation group, small electrode pads will be placed on your lower back to deliver gentle electrical pulses while you walk. Your blood pressure and comfort will be monitored throughout, and you can rest whenever you need to.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Oct 12, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Kessler Foundation
Collaborators
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
Enrollment target
~24 participants
Started
March 2017
Primary completion
December 2028
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in January 2026.
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Central contact
Gail F Forrest, PhD
Kessler Foundation
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.