Sign up now
Log In

RESTORE: A trial to restore sensation in people with a discomplete SCI

Researchers at the University of NSW (UNSW) are recruiting for a study that examines whether playing a virtual reality walking game while simultaneously receiving light walking type pressure on the soles of the feet can help restore touch sensation for people with spinal cord injury.

  • Digital health, Other

Study Purpose/Description

This study aims to determine if interacting with a virtual reality walking game while simultaneously receiving light pressure on the sole of each foot can help restore/improve sensation in adults with an AIS* Grade A (complete) or B (incomplete) thoracic spinal cord injury (*AIS – American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale).

What’s involved?

The study involves playing a virtual reality walking game while simultaneously receiving light walking type pressure on the soles of the feel from a foot massager device.

As well as playing the VR game for 20 mins once a day for 20 days (about 3 weeks), the study involves completing a set of online questionnaires (20-40 mins), having 3 physical assessments (approx. 90 mins), and having an EEG and an MRI (approx. 2 hrs) at 3 different timepoints. The entire game playing sessions are done at home.

Your total time commitment will be approximately 4 months if you participate. Participants will be reimbursed for any travel expenses incurred.

How to take part?

If you are interested and think you might be eligible, you can email the researchers at neurorecoveryresearch@unsw.edu.au or visit the study webpage

Recruitment criteria

You may be eligible to participate in this study if:

  • Have an AIS Grade A or Grade B spinal cord injury at thoracic level
  • Age 18 or over
  • More than three months post injury
  • Able to move both arms at least a little

Study sponsor / funder

Research team contacts

neurorecoveryresearch@unsw.edu.au

0411 766 045

Register your interest

Join Us Register

For Participants

For Researchers

Resources

An initiative of

SIGN UP NOW

The Join Us Register Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia as the continuing custodians of Country and acknowledge the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of this land. We pay our respect to First Nations peoples and Elders, past and present.

We acknowledge and celebrate the knowledge and the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities and recognise their continuing connection to land and waters.

We thank the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the many individuals, organisations that have supported and guided us through our journey.

There is a huge opportunity to partner more with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to build on existing community strengths and resilience, often in the face of ongoing inequities. Through Join Us, we will work together in the spirit of reciprocity to address ongoing impacts of colonisation so that we can all realise optimal health and wellbeing.

Copyright 2025 Join Us register. All rights reserved.

+61 2 8052 4798

info@joinus.org.au

Facebook Twitter

The Join Us Register is currently funded by the Australian Stroke and Heart Research Accelerator (ASHRA). 

For more information about ASHRA, click here.

Register your interest


    Please sign up on Join Us here
    You need to be registerd to deterime if you quilify for the study