Early functional proprioceptive stimulation in high spinal cord injury: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The initial months post-spinal cord injury (SCI) are critical for recovery.
• Intensive care unit (ICU) stays for high SCI patients can delay rehabilitation.
• Functional Proprioceptive Stimulation (FPS) is a novel non-invasive sensory technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and feasibility of early rehabilitation using FPS in SCI patients.
• To evaluate the effects of FPS on spasticity and muscle atrophy.
• To explore the potential of FPS to enhance subsequent rehabilitation sessions.

Main Methods:

• A randomized pilot study involving 10 SCI patients, with 5 receiving early FPS and 5 receiving sham stimulation.
• Treatment utilized the Vibramoov device with 12 synchronized vibrators on lower limbs, 4 times/week for up to 8 weeks.
• Spasticity was measured using multiple scales (Modified Ashworth, Tardieu, SCATS) and patient self-evaluation; muscle atrophy was assessed via ultrasonography.

Main Results:

• Treatment commenced early (median 4 days post-injury) with no significant difference in adverse events between groups.
• No medium-term effects on spasticity or muscle atrophy were identified.
• A trend towards short-term spasticity reduction was observed with FPS across all measurements.

Conclusions:

• Early FPS is a safe and feasible rehabilitation approach for SCI patients, even in the ICU setting.
• FPS appears to induce transient relaxation and spasticity reduction.
• Larger studies are required to confirm medium- and long-term efficacy and benefits for rehabilitation.