Multisite Hebbian Plasticity Restores Function in Humans with Spinal Cord Injury
Hang Jin Jo1,2, Ethan Kizziar1,2,3, Sina Sangari1,2
1Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, USA.
Annals of Neurology
|February 27, 2023
Summary
Multisite Hebbian stimulation strengthens neural connections after spinal cord injury (SCI), improving leg and arm function. This therapy enhances walking, grasping, and quality of life, offering a promising recovery strategy for SCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts corticospinal connections, leading to paralysis.
- Restoring synaptic function is crucial for motor recovery after SCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if multisite Hebbian stimulation can strengthen corticospinal-motoneuronal synapses.
- To assess the efficacy of Hebbian stimulation in promoting functional recovery of arm and leg function post-SCI.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involved 20 participants with chronic SCI receiving Hebbian or sham stimulation targeting leg muscles.
- A follow-up prospective study included 11 participants receiving 40 sessions of Hebbian stimulation for arm and leg muscles.
- Hebbian stimulation involved paired pulses to induce synaptic plasticity, followed by exercise.
Main Results:
- Participants receiving Hebbian stimulation showed greater improvements in walking speed and corticospinal function compared to sham.
- Prospective study participants demonstrated enhanced grasping, walking, corticospinal function, and quality of life.
- Improvements persisted for 9 months post-therapy, with greater benefits observed with more sessions.
Conclusions:
- Multisite Hebbian stimulation is an effective strategy for functional recovery after SCI.
- The approach leverages corticospinal system physiology to promote synaptic strengthening.
- This therapy offers a novel avenue for rehabilitation in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
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