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Intraspinal microstimulation generates functional movements after spinal-cord injury
Rajiv Saigal1, Costantino Renzi, Vivian K Mushahwar
1Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Summary
Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) shows promise for restoring hindlimb locomotion after complete spinal cord transection. This novel functional electrical stimulation technique enables weight-bearing stepping with minimal fatigue in decerebrated cats.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Restoring locomotion after spinal cord injury (SCI) is challenging with traditional functional electrical stimulation (FES).
- Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) directly stimulates spinal cord locomotor circuits, offering a novel FES approach.
- Prior studies in intact cats demonstrated ISMS efficacy in inducing coordinated movements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of ISMS for restoring hindlimb locomotion following complete spinal cord transection.
- To assess the functional outcomes of ISMS in a feline model of severe SCI.
Main Methods:
- Complete spinal cord transection was performed in four cats (T10-T12 levels).
- Lumbosacral spinal cords were implanted with 30 microwires for ISMS.
- Decerebrated cats underwent ISMS with controlled stimulus parameters while suspended over a treadmill.
Main Results:
- Phasic, interleaved ISMS produced bilateral, weight-bearing stepping in hindlimbs.
- Stepping exhibited adequate foot clearance during the swing phase.
- Minimal kinematic alterations and low fatigue were observed during sustained stepping episodes.
Conclusions:
- ISMS is a promising technique for functional locomotion recovery after complete spinal cord injury.
- Direct intraspinal stimulation effectively engages locomotor circuits for coordinated limb movement.
- This approach holds potential for future SCI rehabilitation strategies.