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Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 1, 2018
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Invasive and Non-Invasive Approaches of Electrical Stimulation to Improve Physical Functioning after Spinal Cord
David R Dolbow1,2, Ashraf S Gorgey3,4, Tommy W Sutor3
1Physical Therapy Department, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Electrical stimulation therapies, including neuromuscular and functional electrical stimulation, enhance daily living activities and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Research explores invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation for improved mobility and cardiovascular function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Spinal cord injuries significantly impair functional abilities and quality of life.
- Electrical stimulation therapies offer potential for functional restoration and enhancement.
- Current literature provides evolving evidence on invasive and non-invasive techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest evidence on electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery.
- To explore applications in restoring functional abilities and enhancing quality of life.
- To summarize findings on neuromodulation for mobility and cardiovascular performance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of invasive and non-invasive electrical stimulation therapies.
- Analysis of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) studies.
- Inclusion of research on epidural stimulation and neuromodulation techniques.
Main Results:
- NMES and FES promote improved body composition and muscular strength, enhancing activities of daily living.
- Electrical stimulation aids in skills like reaching, grasping, standing, and walking.
- Invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation improve mobility, postural control, and assisted walking.
- Epidural stimulation shows effects on cardiovascular performance with mechanistic explanations.
Conclusions:
- Electrical stimulation therapies are effective in restoring function and improving quality of life post-SCI.
- Optimized stimulation parameters can enhance functional recovery.
- Future trends include combining epidural stimulation with exoskeletal-assisted walking for comprehensive rehabilitation.
