Feasability Study Using TBS for Upper Limb Spasticity Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility Study to Investigate the Effects of Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) to Treat Upper Limb Spasticity and Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injured Patients
IRAS ID
182772
Contact name
Aref-Ali Gharooni
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a variety of health related impairments, including spasticity. Spasticity can present with tightness of limbs, painful and jerky movements. If severe, spasticity can lead to further complications that include worsening pain, tight joints, ulcers and difficulties with posture.
Why spasticity occurs is not fully understood, however, it is believed that due to the damage to the brain or spinal cord, the neurons in the spinal cord become overactive causing the muscles to become stiff. Spasticity can be managed with different antispasticity drugs, they often result in some uncomfortable side effects. Therefore, we believe that we should explore alternative therapies.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technique in which we non-invasively stimulate parts of the brain using a magnetic stimulator device. It has currently been approved for use in the UK for depression and migraine. There is on-going research into its potential therapeutic role in a variety of medical conditions including spasticity. A modified form of TMS called Theta-burst Stimulation (TBS) exists which has been shown to be more effective and is believed to work by improving neuroplasticity. We will aim to recruit 10 participants with spinal cord injury from the Princess Royal Spinal Injury centre, Sheffield. Each participant will get both real TMS and a sham stimulation over an 8 week period. Measurements looking at spasticity, pain, hand control and a life impact will be taken firstly before and after both interventions.
We expect that the results of our feasibility study to provide evidence which will help us to design a bigger study.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0477
Date of REC Opinion
10 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion