Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation improves postural stability in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes central nervous system demyelination, leading to sensorimotor deficits.
• Compromised postural stability is a common challenge for individuals with MS during upright standing.
• Developing effective clinical strategies to enhance postural stability in MS is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of non-invasive transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) on postural stability.
• To assess TSS effects during upright standing in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Recorded center of pressure (COP) displacement and soleus/tibialis anterior muscle electromyograms (EMG).
• Compared COP and EMG measures between TSS and no stimulation conditions during standing.
• Quantified the relationship between COP displacement and EMG using cross-correlation analysis.

Main Results:

• TSS significantly improved postural stability with eyes closed, indicated by reduced COP fluctuation and lower tibialis anterior activity.
• No significant differences in postural stability were observed with eyes open between TSS and no stimulation conditions.
• TSS appears to modulate muscle activity and improve balance control in specific sensory conditions.

Conclusions:

• Transcutaneous spinal stimulation enhances postural stability in individuals with MS during standing with eyes closed.
• The findings suggest TSS may improve proprioceptive function, contributing to better balance.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate mechanisms and confirm the clinical utility of TSS for MS patients.