OpenXstim: an open-source programmable electrical stimulator for transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation offers hope for restoring function in individuals with paralysis due to SCI, cerebral palsy, and stroke.
• Limited availability of stimulation devices, especially in developing countries, hinders access to these non-invasive neuromodulation treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce OpenXstim, an open-source, two-channel programmable electrical stimulator designed to facilitate research in non-invasive neuromodulation.
• To provide an accessible and advanced tool for studying treatments for paralysis and other neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a two-channel, open-source programmable electrical stimulator (OpenXstim).
• Benchtop testing to evaluate current output (up to 110 mA), compliance voltage (96 V), and high-frequency burst stimulation capabilities (9 kHz).
• Preliminary in-vivo testing in two individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Main Results:

• OpenXstim successfully generated high-frequency burst stimulation suitable for spinal cord neuromodulation.
• Benchtop tests confirmed the device's capacity for high current and voltage output.
• Preliminary testing in SCI individuals indicated potential for functional improvement, warranting further investigation.

Conclusions:

• OpenXstim presents a significant advancement in making non-invasive neuromodulation treatments more accessible globally.
• The open-source nature of OpenXstim encourages further research and development in neuro-rehabilitation technologies.
• While promising, large-scale controlled trials are necessary to definitively establish the efficacy of this stimulation method.