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Published on: January 10, 2013
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Poststroke Hemiparesis: A Scoping Review
Jonathan R Allen1, Swathi R Karri2, Chen Yang3
1Jonathan R. Allen, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, MI. At the time of the study, Allen was Doctoral Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences, University of Michigan-Flint; allenjon05@gmail.com.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may improve motor function in stroke survivors. This review found that seven studies showed significant motor improvements in participants receiving SCS, suggesting it as a potential alternative therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuromodulation
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a neuromodulation technique known to improve paresis in spinal cord injury.
- Emerging evidence suggests SCS can address upper and lower limb hemiparesis.
- The effectiveness of SCS in the poststroke population remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the existing evidence on the application of SCS in stroke survivors.
- To evaluate the impact of SCS on upper and lower extremity motor function following stroke.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL.
- Hand searches and reference searches of retrieved articles were performed without publication year limitations.
- The review adhered to the PRISMA-ScR checklist, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria for study selection.
Main Results:
- Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria for this scoping review.
- Seven of the included studies reported statistically significant improvements in motor function for participants receiving SCS.
- The findings suggest a positive trend in motor recovery associated with SCS interventions poststroke.
Conclusions:
- Spinal cord stimulation presents a promising alternative therapeutic approach for enhancing motor function in individuals recovering from stroke.
- While supraspinal circuitry is often targeted in stroke rehabilitation, intact spinal cord circuitry offers novel avenues for motor recovery.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the potential of SCS in poststroke rehabilitation.
