For the first time, Spinal Research has launched a pioneering programme to test ARC‑EX spinal cord stimulation in real‑world rehabilitation settings.
This programme marks the first major initiative from the Spinal Research Recovery Alliance. It will explore what happens when the ARC‑EX spinal stimulation system, developed by ONWARD Medical, is integrated into everyday therapy in the UK.
Now, with your help, we will be able to expand the programme to reach more people across the UK and gather valuable insight to inform future trials.
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Join our free supporter webinars Save your space at our supporter webinarsUnderstanding the ARC-EX system
The ARC-EX system is the first dedicated treatment for spinal cord injury approved by UK regulators. It uses electrodes placed on the back of the neck to deliver gentle electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. This activates dormant nerve pathways and promotes neuroplasticity.
As a result, when combined with activity-based therapy, clinical trials show it can improve:
- Arm and hand strength
- Sensation
- Independence in everyday activities such as dressing, eating and self-care
This UK‑first programme focuses on what matters most: how the technology performs in real-world rehabilitation.
Turning progress into real-world impact
We have supported the ARC-EX system from the beginning. Now, through the Spinal Research Recovery Alliance, we are taking the next step, testing its impact in routine care.
Through this programme, we will:
- Loan ARC-EX systems to four approved rehabilitation centres
- Provide training and support
- Gather data and feedback on patient outcomes over a 12-month period
Together, these insights will be vital in shaping future research, improving delivery, and expanding access to this promising technology.
ARC‑EX spinal cord stimulation in real-world settings
The first centre to join the programme is the Matt Hampson Foundation Get Busy Living Centre in Leicestershire.
The centre supports young people with life-changing injuries through expert rehabilitation, mentoring and community support. Its physiotherapy team has been trained to deliver ARC‑EX alongside function‑based therapy for people with a range of spinal cord injuries.
Three more specialist rehabilitation centres in Yorkshire, the North East and South West will soon join the programme. With your help, we will be able to expand its reach nationwide.
Our Day at the Matt Hampson Foundation
Take a look at our day at the Matt Hampson Foundation where we saw the ARC-EX device being introduced.
Now is the moment to act
Donate todayWe urgently need to raise £120,000 to deliver the second phase of the ARC-EX Real-World Programme. Your support today could help bring this life-changing treatment to more centres across the UK, while also funding other vital projects that accelerate progress. Together, we have the chance to transform everyday life and help more people living with paralysis regain vital functions and greater independence.
Together, we will cure paralysis.
ARC-EX Real World Programme FAQs
What is the ARC-EX Real World Programme?
Onward Medical’s ARC-EX spinal cord stimulation system is the first dedicated treatment for a spinal cord injury approved by UK regulators. When paired with activity-based therapy, it’s been shown to increase arm and hand sensation and strength in people with incomplete cervical injuries.
It delivers targeted, programmed electrical stimulation to the spinal cord using electrodes placed on the back of the neck. Clinical trial results – including a UK trial funded by Spinal Research – have proved its potential to improve hand strength and sensation in people with an incomplete cervical spinal cord injury when combined with activity-based rehabilitation.
Our ARC-EX programme will test how this exciting technology works in real world settings to help inform treatment pathways and drive further research in this key area.
We’re targeting £120,000 in the first year to loan ARC-EX devices to four, approved rehabilitation centres who, in return, will provide invaluable data and feedback on outcomes with suitable clients over a 12-month period.
How does spinal cord stimulation work?
When somebody has a spinal cord injury (SCI), functions beneath the level of injury are affected, and yet the spinal cord itself and the nervous system are intact. They are just not receiving enough signal from the brain to activate a given movement or function.
Transcutaneous (through the skin) spinal cord stimulation excites the spinal cord so that signals weakened or interrupted by a SCI are able to drive movement and enable rehabilitation.
How much funding is being raised?
Why can’t rehabilitation centres just buy and use their own ARC-EX systems?
Any rehabilitation centre can buy the ARC-EX electrical stimulation system. This is about Spinal Research working with approved centres to generate hugely valuable data on the impact of this technology in real world settings for the benefit of everyone paralysed after a spinal cord injury.
We loan the devices and, in return, the qualifying centres provide data and feedback on outcomes and experiences that will inform future research and future best practice.
Can I access ARC‑EX through this programme?
How were the rehabilitation centres chosen?
Working with our scientific adviser, we developed a survey to help assess the suitability of potential partner clinics. The selection criteria included the number of people living with spinal cord injury that each clinic could begin treating within 90 days, their expertise and experience in activity-based rehabilitation, and their ability to report on impact. Clinics were invited to apply by completing the survey, and all responses were anonymised before being reviewed. The anonymised surveys were then scored by our scientific adviser, with the highest-scoring clinics selected as partners.
How will success be measured?
Will ARC‑EX become more widely available?
That is the goal. This programme is an important step towards making ARC‑EX more widely accessible by building the evidence and case for broader use in rehabilitation settings.
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