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Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 1, 2018
Changes in Motor, Functional Independence, and Gait Recovery After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury with Transcutaneous
Hatice Kumru1,2, Aina Ros-Alsina1,3, Agustín Hernandez-Navarro1,2
1Guttmann Hospital de Neurorehabilitació, Institut Universitari Adscrit a la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
Biomedicines
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) improved muscle strength and walking ability in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This therapy was well-tolerated and enhanced functional independence, showing promise as a rehabilitation adjunct.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) shows potential for enhancing functional recovery post-spinal cord injury (SCI).
- Limited evidence exists regarding the effects of repeated tSCS sessions on gait and lower-limb strength in SCI patients.
- This study investigates the impact of multisegmental tSCS on walking ability, muscle strength, and functional independence in individuals with SCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of multisegmental tSCS combined with gait rehabilitation in individuals with SCI.
- To assess the effects of tSCS on lower-limb muscle strength, walking parameters, and functional independence.
- To determine the safety and tolerability of repeated tSCS sessions during rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial with a partial crossover design was conducted over three weeks.
- Participants received either tSCS plus gait rehabilitation or gait rehabilitation alone.
- Outcome measures included muscle strength (MVC), gait tests (WISCI-II, 10MWT, 6MWT, TUG), and functional independence (SCIM-III).
Main Results:
- tSCS significantly improved maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles.
- Significant improvements were observed in the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM-III) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test scores with tSCS.
- These benefits were maintained at follow-up, and no significant adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
- tSCS is a safe and well-tolerated intervention for individuals with SCI.
- tSCS provides additional benefits to gait rehabilitation, enhancing lower-limb muscle strength and functional independence.
- Multisegmental tSCS shows promise as a valuable adjunct therapy to improve outcomes after spinal cord injury.
