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Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 1, 2018
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Spinal Cord Transcutaneous Stimulation Enables Volitional Knee Extension in Motor-complete SCI.
Summary
Spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) enabled a patient with motor-complete spinal cord injury to voluntarily control knee extension. This neuromodulation technique shows potential for restoring motor function after spinal cord injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in impaired motor control.
- Non-invasive spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) is being explored to improve motor function.
- Restoring volitional control is a key goal in SCI rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using tonic scTS to initiate and maintain volitional lower-extremity motor control in an individual with motor-complete SCI.
- To assess the effect of scTS on voluntary knee extension in a gravity-neutral position.
Main Methods:
- A single participant with motor-complete SCI was recruited.
- Tonic scTS was applied to spinal segments.
- The participant attempted voluntary knee extension with and without scTS in a gravity-neutral position.
Main Results:
- The participant demonstrated intentional voluntary control of knee extension with the application of scTS.
- No assistance was required for the observed motor control during scTS.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings suggest scTS can neuromodulate spinal circuitry to restore motor function in individuals with motor-complete SCI.
- scTS holds potential for augmenting voluntary muscle activation and improving motor outcomes post-SCI.
