Transcutaneous spinal stimulation with walking training for better mobility after traumatic brain injury

You may qualify if

• Have weakness on at least one side of my body.
• No injury to my unaffected side in 6 months.
• Be cleared by a physician to participate in this study.
• Have had a non-penetrating TBI at least 2 years ago. A non-penetrating injury is an injury where my skull remained closed and no object entered it.
• Have enough strength to use a hemiwalker or walker.
• Be between 18-65 years of age.
• Be medically stable for at least 6 months before enrolling. This means that I have not had an emergency room visit, hospitalization, or medical procedure (such as a surgery) during this period of time.
• Able to walk 10 yards with minimal assistance without an ankle-foot orthosis (brace)
• Able to respond to and tolerate surface stimulation, as determined by study staff
• Have the ability to communicate in English.
• Have stable blood pressure.
• Be willing and able to give informed consent.
• Be able and willing to comply with study procedures, verbal instructions, and follow-up requirements.

You can't join if

• Have must have not had physical or occupational therapy or treatment for a balance disorder within 30 days prior to study enrollment. I must not participate in physical or occupation therapy throughout the duration of the study to avoid affecting the study results.
• Have any medical issues that affect my unaffected side (such arthritis, fracture, etc.).
• Have skin issues that would prevent me from being able to use the surface stimulation (such as a open wound or rash).
• Have a pre-existing condition that may make it difficult for me to participate in exercise. (uncontrolled hypertension as described by a physician, heart disease, abnormal heart rate or rhythm, or congestive heart failure).
• Have been hospitalized for heart attack, heart surgery or acute heart failure within 3 months of enrollment in study.
• Have an implanted medical or metallic device.
• Reduced sensation in my lower limbs and stimulation locations.
• Have Botox injections in my legs up to 3 months prior to enrolling.
• Have physical therapy for walking.
• Have uncontrolled seizure disorder (such as epilepsy)
• Have nervous system-related issues (for example Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis).
• Major changes to my medications throughout the study
• Have bone or muscle issues unrelated to traumatic brain injury that interfere with my walking or limit my range of motion in my legs.
• Be currently pregnant. Because of potential risk to the fetus, women of child bearing potential will be required to have a pregnancy test before they can enroll in this study. If I am female, and have a positive pregnancy test, I will not be enrolled.
• Have any other medical conditions that my doctor or physical therapist feels would affect my ability to use the stimulation or participate in walking training TMS Specific - Exclusion (those with these exclusions can still participate in other parts of the study)
• I have a history of seizure disorder or have a close family member (parent, brother, sister, or child) who has a seizure disorder.
• I have had unexplained fainting spells.
• I have had an active migraine headaches.
• I have a past or current history of ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or severe hearing problems.
• I am currently taking or withdrawing from any medication that would increase my risk of seizure (determination made in consultation with study physician).
• I have a history of alcohol or drug abuse in the prior 3 years.
• I have nerve damage outside of my brain or spinal cord (such as in an arm or leg).
• I am unwilling to participate in TMS.