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Estimating the user population of a simple electrical stimulation system for standing
R J Jaeger1, G M Yarkony, E J Roth
1Pritzker Institute of Medical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.
Paraplegia
|October 1, 1990
Summary
This study estimates the potential users for surface electrical stimulation to aid standing or walking in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Results suggest a notable percentage of paraplegic SCI individuals may be eligible for this technology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Laboratory studies demonstrate electrical stimulation for standing/walking in spinal cord injury (SCI).
- Previous research involved small, selected groups, limiting generalizability.
- The potential user population for surface electrical stimulation (SES) in SCI remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the potential user population size for a specific SES device and protocol.
- To assess the eligibility of individuals with paraplegia due to traumatic SCI for SES.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 192 patients with traumatic thoracic, lumbar, or sacral SCI.
- Application of defined inclusionary criteria to determine eligibility for the SES protocol.
Main Results:
- Between 10.4% and 25% (20-48 patients) of the studied paraplegic SCI sample were eligible.
- Approximately 45% of the US SCI population has paraplegia.
- This suggests 4.7% to 11.25% of all US individuals with SCI could potentially use this SES technology.
Conclusions:
- A significant subset of the spinal cord injury population may benefit from surface electrical stimulation.
- This study provides crucial data for understanding the broader applicability of SES in SCI rehabilitation.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore implementation strategies.