Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Enhances Walking Performance and Reduces Spasticity in Individuals with...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently causes debilitating gait dysfunction and spasticity.
• Lumbar transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) has shown promise in improving motor function in spinal cord injury patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the motor effects of lumbar tSCS in individuals with MS.
• To determine the temporal persistence of these effects post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• 16 individuals with MS received lumbar tSCS at 50 Hz for 30 minutes.
• A comprehensive assessment protocol evaluated walking ability, spasticity, standing ability, manual dexterity, and trunk control.
• Assessments were conducted immediately post-intervention and at 24 hours.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in walking speed and endurance were observed for 2 hours post-intervention, returning to baseline after 24 hours.
• Reductions in muscle spasms, clonus duration, and exaggerated stretch reflexes lasted for 2 hours.
• Lower-extremity muscle hypertonia improved for 24 hours, and postural sway decreased for 2 hours; manual dexterity and trunk control showed no changes.

Conclusions:

• Lumbar tSCS is a clinically accessible, non-invasive method with potential for substantial benefit in MS.
• The intervention demonstrates short-term improvements in gait and spasticity, with some effects persisting for up to 24 hours.
• tSCS may offer a valuable therapeutic option across the MS disability spectrum.