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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:07
Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 1, 2018
Strategies for generating prolonged functional standing using intramuscular stimulation or intraspinal
Bernice Lau1, Lisa Guevremont, Vivian K Mushahwar
1Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S2, Canada.
Summary
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can restore standing after spinal cord injury (SCI). Closed-loop control with interleaved intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) significantly prolonged standing duration and improved balance in cats.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently causes loss of standing ability.
- Restoring standing function is a key goal in SCI rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system for prolonged standing after SCI.
- To compare open-loop and closed-loop control strategies with intramuscular stimulation (IM-S) and intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS).
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted in anesthetized cats using IM-S or ISMS.
- Closed-loop control utilized feedback from force plates and accelerometers to modulate stimulation.
- Open-loop control applied constant stimulation levels.
Main Results:
- Closed-loop control of IM-S doubled standing duration compared to open-loop control.
- Interleaved ISMS with closed-loop control extended standing duration over threefold compared to IM-S.
- Closed-loop ISMS improved inter-limb force balance and reduced force decay rate.
Conclusions:
- Closed-loop control enhances FES-induced standing.
- Interleaved ISMS combined with closed-loop control shows significant promise for restoring prolonged standing.
- This approach could be beneficial for individuals with SCI.
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