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Multiple SclerosistSCS-MSNCT07152145

Pilot Study of tSCS for Improving Upper Limb Function in People With Multiple Sclerosis

A study testing Active stimulation tSCS and Occupational/Upper Limb Rehabilitation Therapy in people with Multiple Sclerosis, run by Parc de Salut Mar at 1 site in Spain.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether non-invasive spinal cord neuromodulation with the SCONE™ device can improve upper limb function in people with multiple sclerosis. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 70 years
Conditions the study is for
Multiple Sclerosis
What is being tested?
Active stimulation tSCS and Occupational/Upper Limb Rehabilitation Therapy
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteSpain
Study dates
Oct 2025to Dec 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 70 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age between 18 and 70 years.
  • Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (according to revised McDonald criteria).
  • Upper limb dysfunction (9-Hole Peg Test score ≥ 20% slower than normative values).
  • Stable disease-modifying treatment for ≥ 6 months before enrollment.
  • Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 3.0 and 6.5.
  • Ability to provide informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Relapse or corticosteroid treatment within the last 3 months.
  • Severe spasticity of the upper limb (Modified Ashworth Scale > 3).
  • Implanted electrical devices (pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator).
  • Epilepsy or uncontrolled seizures.
  • Severe psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment interfering with study procedures.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Participation in another interventional clinical trial within the last 3 months.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Spain1 site
  • Hospital del Mar

    Barcelona, 08003

    Pablo Villoslada, MD, PhD, +34933160455, pvilloslada@researchmar.net

    Silvia Susin, MD, ssusin@researchmar.net

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Official title: Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Stimulation (tSCS) for Improving Upper Limb Function in People With MS

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether non-invasive spinal cord neuromodulation with the SCONE™ device can improve upper limb function in people with multiple sclerosis. The study will investigate if combining SCONE™ therapy with rehabilitation exercises leads to improvements in arm and hand movement, and whether the therapy is safe and well tolerated in this patient population. Participants will receive non-invasive spinal cord stimulation with the SCONE™ device and perform rehabilitation exercises specifically focused on the upper limb.

Read the detailed description

This is a pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) in improving upper limb function in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

tSCS is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that delivers low-intensity electrical impulses through the skin to specific spinal segments. This external stimulation aims to enhance spinal excitability and restore communication between the brain and spinal circuits affected by MS. Previous research in spinal cord injury has demonstrated functional improvements in motor performance with tSCS, suggesting its potential benefit in MS-related disability.

In this study, participants with clinically confirmed MS and upper limb impairment will first undergo a 6-week period of standard occupational therapy. After this run-in phase, they will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either active tSCS or sham stimulation for an additional 6 weeks, while continuing occupational therapy. The intervention will be delivered at the rehabilitation center of Hospital de la Esperanza, in a seated position, using surface electrodes placed at the posterior cervical region. Sessions will last approximately 30 minutes, three times per week (preferably Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).

The sham condition will mimic the procedure using the same equipment and electrode placement but without delivering effective stimulation. After completion of the blinded phase, participants originally randomized to sham will be offered the opportunity to receive active tSCS in an open-label extension.

The primary efficacy endpoint is improvement in upper limb function, assessed by the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). Secondary endpoints include the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), patient-reported outcomes (NeuroQOL - Upper Extremity Function, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale [MFIS], and Global Impression of Change [GIC]), and clinical safety measures.

tSCS is generally safe and well-tolerated. Reported side effects are typically mild and transient, including tingling, skin irritation, or muscle discomfort. Participants will be monitored throughout the study, and adverse events will be recorded.

This pilot trial will provide preliminary data on the clinical utility of tSCS in MS and inform the design of larger randomized controlled trials.

Being tested
Active stimulation tSCS, Sham: stimulations using a non-active electric stimulation, Occupational/Upper Limb Rehabilitation Therapy
Keywords
Spinal Cord Neuromodulation, Non-invasive neuromodulation, Upper limb function, Neurorehabilitation
Medical subject headings
Multiple Sclerosis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Active stimulation tSCSDevice

    Active transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) delivered with the SCONE™ device. Electrical currents are applied non-invasively through surface electrodes placed on the skin over the spine. Sessions are combined with standardized upper limb rehabilitation therapy. Participants receive stimulation twice per week for 12 weeks.

  • Sham: stimulations using a non-active electric stimulationDevice

    Sham stimulation delivered with the SCONE™ device, using identical setup and procedures as the active intervention but without effective current. This procedure is designed to mimic the sensation and experience of active stimulation while delivering no therapeutic neuromodulation. Participants also perform standardized upper limb rehabilitation therapy twice per week for 12 weeks.Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS) - Sham (SCONE™)

  • Occupational/Upper Limb Rehabilitation TherapyBehavioural

    Standardized occupational therapy program focused on upper limb function. Sessions are delivered in combination with either active or sham transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation.

Study groups in NCT07152145
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Active tSCS + RehabilitationExperimentalParticipants will receive active transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) using the SCONE™ device, combined with conventional upper limb rehabilitation therapy.
Receives: Device: Active stimulation tSCS; Behavioral: Occupational/Upper Limb Rehabilitation Therapy
Sham tSCS + RehabilitationSham comparatorParticipants will receive sham stimulation using the SCONE™ device without active current, combined with conventional upper limb rehabilitation therapy. The setup will be identical to the active intervention to maintain blinding.
Receives: Device: Sham: stimulations using a non-active electric stimulation; Behavioral: Occupational/Upper Limb Rehabilitation Therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Upper Limb Function (9-Hole Peg Test)

    The 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) is a validated quantitative measure of upper extremity function. Participants are timed while placing and removing nine pegs into holes on a board as quickly as possible. Performance is recorded as time to completion. Change from baseline will be compared between active and sham groups.

    Measured: Baseline and Week 12

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. Change in Hand Grip Strength (Dynamometry)

    Grip strength will be measured using a calibrated hand dynamometer. The mean of three trials per hand will be recorded and analyzed as change from baseline.

    Measured: Baseline and Week 12

  2. Change in Quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L)

    Patient-reported outcome measuring five domains of health-related quality of life (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression). Change from baseline will be assessed.

    Measured: Baseline and Week 12

  3. Change in Fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale - MFIS)

    Self-reported questionnaire measuring the impact of fatigue on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning. Change from baseline will be analyzed.

    Measured: Baseline and Week 12

  4. Change in Manual Dexterity (Box and Block Test)

    The Box and Block Test measures gross manual dexterity by counting the number of blocks moved from one compartment to another in 60 seconds. Change from baseline will be assessed

    Measured: Baseline and Week 12

  5. Patient-Reported Upper Limb Function (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale - MSIS-29, upper limb subitems)

    Patient-reported outcome measure assessing the perceived impact of MS on physical function, with specific focus on upper limb-related items. Higher scores indicate greater impact. Change from baseline will be compared.

    Measured: Baseline and Week 12

  6. Safety and Tolerability

    Number and severity of adverse events related to the device or therapy will be recorded throughout the study. Tolerability will be assessed via patient-reported discomfort during stimulation.

    Measured: Baseline through Week 12

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted3 Sep 2025
  2. Study startOct 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07152145
Sponsor's protocol ID
tSCS-MS-01
Acronym
tSCS-MS
Status last verified
Aug 2025
First submitted
22 Aug 2025
Last updated
3 Sep 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes
Individual data sharing
Yes: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) that underlie the results reported in future publications will be shared. This will include baseline characteristics, efficacy outcomes, and safety data.

Publications

  • Inanici F, Samejima S, Gad P, Edgerton VR, Hofstetter CP, Moritz CT. Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Stimulation Promotes Long-Term Recovery of Upper Extremity Function in Chronic Tetraplegia. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2018 Jun;26(6):1272-1278. doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2018.2834339.

    PubMed 29877852
  • Moritz C, Field-Fote EC, Tefertiller C, van Nes I, Trumbower R, Kalsi-Ryan S, Purcell M, Janssen TWJ, Krassioukov A, Morse LR, Zhao KD, Guest J, Marino RJ, Murray LM, Wecht JM, Rieger M, Pradarelli J, Turner A, D'Amico J, Squair JW, Courtine G. Non-invasive spinal cord electrical stimulation for arm and hand function in chronic tetraplegia: a safety and efficacy trial. Nat Med. 2024 May;30(5):1276-1283. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-02940-9. Epub 2024 May 20.

    PubMed 38769431
  • Tu YH, Stiles ML, Allen LV Jr, Olsen KM, Barton CI, Greenwood RB. Stability of amoxicillin trihydrate-potassium clavulanate in original containers and unit dose oral syringes. Am J Hosp Pharm. 1988 May;45(5):1092-9.

    PubMed 3400652
  • Barss TS, Parhizi B, Porter J, Mushahwar VK. Neural Substrates of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation: Neuromodulation across Multiple Segments of the Spinal Cord. J Clin Med. 2022 Jan 27;11(3):639. doi: 10.3390/jcm11030639.

    PubMed 35160091
  • Waltz JM, Andreesen WH, Hunt DP. Spinal cord stimulation and motor disorders. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 1987 Jan;10(1 Pt 2):180-204. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1987.tb05947.x.

    PubMed 2436177
  • Wallin MT, Culpepper WJ, Campbell JD, Nelson LM, Langer-Gould A, Marrie RA, Cutter GR, Kaye WE, Wagner L, Tremlett H, Buka SL, Dilokthornsakul P, Topol B, Chen LH, LaRocca NG; US Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence Workgroup. The prevalence of MS in the United States: A population-based estimate using health claims data. Neurology. 2019 Mar 5;92(10):e1029-e1040. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000007035. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

    PubMed 30770430

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Active stimulation tSCS and Occupational/Upper Limb Rehabilitation Therapy in people with Multiple Sclerosis, run by Parc de Salut Mar at 1 site in Spain.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Upper Limb Function (9-Hole Peg Test) (time frame: Baseline and Week 12). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07152145, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Sep 2025.

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tSCS-MS Clinical Trial NCT07152145 | AzTrials