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Villar Ortega E, Buetler KA, Aksöz EA, Marchal-Crespo L. Enhancing touch sensibility with sensory electrical stimulation and sensory retraining. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:79. [PMID: 38750521 PMCID: PMC11096118 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01371-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of stroke survivors suffer from sensory loss, negatively impacting their independence, quality of life, and neurorehabilitation prognosis. Despite the high prevalence of somatosensory impairments, our understanding of somatosensory interventions such as sensory electrical stimulation (SES) in neurorehabilitation is limited. We aimed to study the effectiveness of SES combined with a sensory discrimination task in a well-controlled virtual environment in healthy participants, setting a foundation for its potential application in stroke rehabilitation. We employed electroencephalography (EEG) to gain a better understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms and dynamics associated with sensory training and SES. We conducted a single-session experiment with 26 healthy participants who explored a set of three visually identical virtual textures-haptically rendered by a robotic device and that differed in their spatial period-while physically guided by the robot to identify the odd texture. The experiment consisted of three phases: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. Half the participants received subthreshold whole-hand SES during the intervention, while the other half received sham stimulation. We evaluated changes in task performance-assessed by the probability of correct responses-before and after intervention and between groups. We also evaluated differences in the exploration behavior, e.g., scanning speed. EEG was employed to examine the effects of the intervention on brain activity, particularly in the alpha frequency band (8-13 Hz) associated with sensory processing. We found that participants in the SES group improved their task performance after intervention and their scanning speed during and after intervention, while the sham group did not improve their task performance. However, the differences in task performance improvements between groups only approached significance. Furthermore, we found that alpha power was sensitive to the effects of SES; participants in the stimulation group exhibited enhanced brain signals associated with improved touch sensitivity likely due to the effects of SES on the central nervous system, while the increase in alpha power for the sham group was less pronounced. Our findings suggest that SES enhances texture discrimination after training and has a positive effect on sensory-related brain areas. Further research involving brain-injured patients is needed to confirm the potential benefit of our solution in neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Villar Ortega
- Motor Learning and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karin A Buetler
- Motor Learning and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Efe Anil Aksöz
- rehaLab-The Laboratory for Rehabilitation Engineering, Institute for Human Centred Engineering HuCE, Division of Mechatronics and Systems Engineering, Department of Engineering and Information Technology, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Biel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Marchal-Crespo
- Motor Learning and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Cognitive Robotics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Jung Y, Breitbart S, Malvea A, Bhatia A, Ibrahim GM, Gorodetsky C. Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation for Spasticity: a Systematic Review of the Literature. World Neurosurg 2024; 183:227-238.e5. [PMID: 38181878 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spasticity is a form of muscle hypertonia secondary to various diseases, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. Medical treatments are available; however, these often result in insufficient clinical response. This review evaluates the role of epidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the treatment of spasticity and associated functional outcomes. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Embase, CENTRAL, and MEDLINE databases. We included studies that used epidural SCS to treat spasticity. Studies investigating functional electric stimulation, transcutaneous SCS, and animal models of spasticity were excluded. We also excluded studies that used SCS to treat other symptoms such as pain. RESULTS Thirty-four studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled rate of subjective improvement in spasticity was 78% (95% confidence interval, 64%-91%; I2 = 77%), 40% (95% confidence interval, 7%-73%; I2 = 88%) for increased H-reflex threshold or decreased Hoffman reflex/muscle response wave ratio, and 73% (65%-80%; I2 = 50%) for improved ambulation. Patients with spinal causes had better outcomes compared with patients with cerebral causes. Up to 10% of patients experienced complications including infections and hardware malfunction. CONCLUSIONS Our review of the literature suggests that SCS may be a safe and useful tool for the management of spasticity; however, there is significant heterogeneity among studies. The quality of studies is also low. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the usefulness of this technology, including various stimulation paradigms across different causes of spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngkyung Jung
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Sara Breitbart
- Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anahita Malvea
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anuj Bhatia
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto and Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolina Gorodetsky
- Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hahn A, Moeller S, Schlausch A, Ekmann M, de Chelle G, Westerlund M, Braatz F, Mayr W. Effects of a full-body electrostimulation garment application in a cohort of subjects with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke on upper motor neuron syndrome symptoms. BIOMED ENG-BIOMED TE 2024; 69:49-59. [PMID: 38354212 DOI: 10.1515/bmt-2023-0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dysfunction of the central nervous system may inflict spastic movement disorder (SMD). Electrical stimuli were identified as promising therapeutic option. Electrical stimulation provided by a 58-electrode full body garment was investigated based on data from regular trial fittings. METHODS Data from 72 testees were investigated. Age averages 36.6 (19.8) ys with 44 females. The cohort spans infantile cerebral paresis (CP) (n=29), multiple sclerosis (MS) (n=23) and stroke (n=20). Data were stratified by etiology and an entry BBS Score<45. RESULTS Effect sizes (Cohen`s d) related BBS, TUG, FGA, 10mWT, WMFT, EQ5D5L and Pain. Significance levels are indicated by *: p<0.05, **: p<0.01, ***: p<0.001, (t): p<0.1: CP: 1.64***, 0.29*, 1.59***, 0.76(t), 1.00***, 0.5*, 1.28***; MS: 1.83***, 0.83***, 1.28**, 1.07***, 0.93*, 1,11**, 0.78*; Stroke: 1.28**, 0.78**, 0.89, 0.92**, 0.71, 1.26*, 0.78*. CONCLUSIONS Multi-site transcutaneous electrical stimulation may increase ambulation related skills in subjects with SMD stemming from CP, MS and stroke. The results indicate effects on static and dynamic balance, fall risk, mobility, upper extremity improvement and an overall increase in health utility and a reduction in spasticity related pain. Effects are immediate as well as sustained. These results may inspire individual trial fittings and inform further controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hahn
- Ottobock Healthcare Products GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susan Moeller
- Academy, Otto Bock HealthCare Deutschland GmbH, Duderstadt, Germany
| | - Arne Schlausch
- Clinical Research & Services Otto Bock HealthCare Deutschland GmbH, Duderstadt, Germany
| | - Matilda Ekmann
- Clinical Research, Exoneural Network AB, Danderyd, Sweden
| | | | | | - Frank Braatz
- Private Hochschule Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Taccola G, Kissane R, Culaclii S, Apicella R, Liu W, Gad P, Ichiyama RM, Chakrabarty S, Edgerton VR. Dynamic electrical stimulation enhances the recruitment of spinal interneurons by corticospinal input. Exp Neurol 2024; 371:114589. [PMID: 37907125 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Highly varying patterns of electrostimulation (Dynamic Stimulation, DS) delivered to the dorsal cord through an epidural array with 18 independent electrodes transiently facilitate corticospinal motor responses, even after spinal injury. To partly unravel how corticospinal input are affected by DS, we introduced a corticospinal platform that allows selective cortical stimulation during the multisite acquisition of cord dorsum potentials (CDPs) and the simultaneous supply of DS. Firstly, the epidural interface was validated by the acquisition of the classical multisite distribution of CDPs and their input-output profile elicited by pulses delivered to peripheral nerves. Apart from increased EMGs, DS selectively increased excitability of the spinal interneurons that first process corticospinal input, without changing the magnitude of commands descending from the motor cortex, suggesting a novel correlation between muscle recruitment and components of cortically-evoked CDPs. Finally, DS increases excitability of post-synaptic spinal interneurons at the stimulation site and their responsiveness to any residual supraspinal control, thus supporting the use of electrical neuromodulation whenever the motor output is jeopardized by a weak volitional input, due to a partial disconnection from supraspinal structures and/or neuronal brain dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Taccola
- Neuroscience Department, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Bonomea 265, Trieste, Italy; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Roger Kissane
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; Department of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science, University of Liverpool, The William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Stanislav Culaclii
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Rosamaria Apicella
- Neuroscience Department, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Bonomea 265, Trieste, Italy
| | - Wentai Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; UCLA California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Parag Gad
- SpineX Inc, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Ronaldo M Ichiyama
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Samit Chakrabarty
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - V Reggie Edgerton
- Rancho Research Institute, Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, CA 90242, USA; University of Southern California Neurorestoration Center, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033; USA; Institut Guttmann, Hospital de Neurorehabilitació, Institut Universitari adscrit a la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Badalona 08916, Spain
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5
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Dolbow DR, Gorgey AS, Johnston TE, Bersch I. Electrical Stimulation Exercise for People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Healthcare Provider Perspective. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093150. [PMID: 37176591 PMCID: PMC10179213 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation exercise has become an important modality to help improve the mobility and health of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Electrical stimulation is used to stimulate peripheral nerves in the extremities to assist with muscle strengthening or functional activities such as cycling, rowing, and walking. Electrical stimulation of the peripheral nerves in the upper extremities has become a valuable tool for predicting the risk of hand deformities and rehabilitating functional grasping activities. The purpose of this paper is to provide healthcare providers perspective regarding the many rehabilitation uses of electrical stimulation in diagnosing and treating individuals with SCI. Electrical stimulation has been shown to improve functional mobility and overall health, decrease spasticity, decrease the risk of cardiometabolic conditions associated with inactivity, and assist in the diagnosis/prognosis of hand deformities in those with tetraplegia. Studies involving non-invasive stimulation of the spinal nerves via external electrodes aligned with the spinal cord and more invasive stimulation of electrodes implanted in the epidural lining of the spinal cord have demonstrated improvements in the ability to stand and enhanced the stepping pattern during ambulation. Evidence is also available to educate healthcare professionals in using functional electrical stimulation to reduce muscle spasticity and to recognize limitations and barriers to exercise compliance in those with SCI. Further investigation is required to optimize the dose-response relationship between electrical stimulation activities and the mobility and healthcare goals of those with SCI and their healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Dolbow
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Osteopathic Medicine, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA
| | - Ashraf S Gorgey
- Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA
- College of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Therese E Johnston
- Department of Physical Therapy, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA 19038, USA
| | - Ines Bersch
- International FES Centre®, Swiss Paraplegic Center, CH-6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
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6
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Radeleczki B, Mravcsik M, Bozheim L, Laczko J. Prediction of leg muscle activities from arm muscle activities in arm and leg cycling. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:710-719. [PMID: 35712823 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) driven leg cycling is usually controlled by previously established stimulation patterns. We investigated the potential utilization of a particular computational method for controlling electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles by real-time electromyography (EMG) signals of arm muscles during hybrid arm and leg cycling. In hybrid arm and leg cycling, arm cranking is performed voluntarily, while leg cycling is driven by FES. In this study, we investigate arm and leg cycling movements of able-bodied persons when both arm and leg cycling is performed voluntarily without FES. We present a neural network-based model in which the input of the neural network is given by a time series of upper limb muscle activities (EMG), and the output provides potential lower limb muscle activities. The particular neural network was a nonlinear autoregressive exogen (NARX) neural network. The measured EMG signals of the lower limb muscles were compared to the signals that were predicted by the neural network. The neural network was trained with data recorded from four participants. Our preliminary results show notable differences between the predicted and the experimentally measured lower limb muscle activities. The prediction was good only for 60% of the movement time. We conclude that-while including arm cycling in the movement-simpler control modalities or further consideration of applying machine-learning techniques has to be taken into account to improve voluntary upper limb-controlled FES assisted leg cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balazs Radeleczki
- Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mariann Mravcsik
- Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Information Technology and Biorobotics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Lilla Bozheim
- Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Information Technology and Biorobotics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Jozsef Laczko
- Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Computational Sciences, Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Information Technology and Biorobotics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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7
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Dorrian RM, Berryman CF, Lauto A, Leonard AV. Electrical stimulation for the treatment of spinal cord injuries: A review of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive functional improvements. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1095259. [PMID: 36816852 PMCID: PMC9936196 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1095259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that causes severe loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions. Additionally, many individuals experience chronic neuropathic pain that is often refractory to interventions. While treatment options to improve outcomes for individuals with SCI remain limited, significant research efforts in the field of electrical stimulation have made promising advancements. Epidural electrical stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and functional electrical stimulation have shown promising improvements for individuals with SCI, ranging from complete weight-bearing locomotion to the recovery of sexual function. Despite this, there is a paucity of mechanistic understanding, limiting our ability to optimize stimulation devices and parameters, or utilize combinatorial treatments to maximize efficacy. This review provides a background into SCI pathophysiology and electrical stimulation methods, before exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms suggested in the literature. We highlight several key mechanisms that contribute to functional improvements from electrical stimulation, identify gaps in current knowledge and highlight potential research avenues for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Dorrian
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,*Correspondence: Ryan M. Dorrian,
| | | | - Antonio Lauto
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna V. Leonard
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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8
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Lam CM, Latif U, Sack A, Govindan S, Sanderson M, Vu DT, Smith G, Sayed D, Khan T. Advances in Spinal Cord Stimulation. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:185. [PMID: 36829678 PMCID: PMC9951889 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation, specifically spinal cord stimulation (SCS), has become a staple of chronic pain management for various conditions including failed back syndrome, chronic regional pain syndrome, refractory radiculopathy, and chronic post operative pain. Since its conceptualization, it has undergone several advances to increase safety and convenience for patients and implanting physicians. Current research and efforts are aimed towards novel programming modalities and modifications of existing hardware. Here we review the recent advances and future directions in spinal cord stimulation including a brief review of the history of SCS, SCS waveforms, new materials for SCS electrodes (including artificial skins, new materials, and injectable electrodes), closed loop systems, and neurorestorative devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Lam
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Usman Latif
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Andrew Sack
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Susheel Govindan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Miles Sanderson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Dan T. Vu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Gabriella Smith
- School of Medicine, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Dawood Sayed
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Talal Khan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Novel Noninvasive Spinal Neuromodulation Strategy Facilitates Recovery of Stepping after Motor Complete Paraplegia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133670. [PMID: 35806954 PMCID: PMC9267673 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that neuroplasticity-promoting neuromodulation can restore sensory-motor pathways after spinal cord injury (SCI), reactivating the dormant locomotor neuronal circuitry. We introduce a neuro-rehabilitative approach that leverages locomotor training with multi-segmental spinal cord transcutaneous electrical stimulation (scTS). We hypothesized that scTS neuromodulates spinal networks, complementing the neuroplastic effects of locomotor training, result in a functional progression toward recovery of locomotion. We conducted a case-study to test this approach on a 27-year-old male classified as AIS A with chronic SCI. The training regimen included task-driven non-weight-bearing training (1 month) followed by weight-bearing training (2 months). Training was paired with multi-level continuous and phase-dependent scTS targeting function-specific motor pools. Results suggest a convergence of cross-lesional networks, improving kinematics during voluntary non-weight-bearing locomotor-like stepping. After weight-bearing training, coordination during stepping improved, suggesting an important role of afferent feedback in further improvement of voluntary control and reorganization of the sensory-motor brain-spinal connectome.
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10
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McGeady C, Vučković A, Singh Tharu N, Zheng YP, Alam M. Brain-Computer Interface Priming for Cervical Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy: An Exploratory Case Study. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:896766. [PMID: 36188944 PMCID: PMC9397879 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.896766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Loss of arm and hand function is one of the most devastating consequences of cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Although some residual functional neurons often pass the site of injury, recovery after SCI is extremely limited. Recent efforts have aimed to augment traditional rehabilitation by combining exercise-based training with techniques such as transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), and movement priming. Such methods have been linked with elevated corticospinal excitability, and enhanced neuroplastic effects following activity-based therapy. In the present study, we investigated the potential for facilitating tSCS-based exercise-training with brain-computer interface (BCI) motor priming. An individual with chronic AIS A cervical SCI with both sensory and motor complete tetraplegia participated in a two-phase cross-over intervention whereby they engaged in 15 sessions of intensive tSCS-mediated hand training for 1 h, 3 times/week, followed by a two week washout period, and a further 15 sessions of tSCS training with bimanual BCI motor priming preceding each session. We found using the Graded Redefined Assessment for Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension that the participant's arm and hand function improved considerably across each phase of the study: from 96/232 points at baseline, to 117/232 after tSCS training alone, and to 131/232 points after BCI priming with tSCS training, reflecting improved strength, sensation, and gross and fine motor skills. Improved motor scores and heightened perception to sharp sensations improved the neurological level of injury from C4 to C5 following training and improvements were generally maintained four weeks after the final training session. Although functional improvements were similar regardless of the presence of BCI priming, there was a moderate improvement of bilateral strength only when priming preceded tSCS training, perhaps suggesting a benefit of motor priming for tSCS training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciarán McGeady
- Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Vučković
- Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Niraj Singh Tharu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Monzurul Alam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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11
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Kjell J, Svensson M. Advancing Peripheral Nerve Graft Transplantation for Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Repair. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:885245. [PMID: 35573831 PMCID: PMC9097274 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.885245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerves have a propensity for axon growth and regeneration that the central nervous system lacks (CNS). However, CNS axons can also grow long distances if introduced to a graft harvested from a peripheral nerve (PNGs), which is the rationale for using PNGs as repair strategy for injuries of the spinal cord. From a clinical perspective, PNGs provide interesting possibilities with potential to repair the injured spinal cord. First, there are numerous options to harvest autologous grafts associated with low risk for the patient. Second, a PNG allow axons to grow considerable distances and can, by the surgical procedure, be navigated to specific target sites in the CNS. Furthermore, a PNG provides all necessary biological substrates for myelination of elongating axons. A PNG can thus be suited to bridge axons long distances across an injury site and restore long tracts in incomplete SCI. Experimentally, locomotor functions have been improved transplanting a PNG after incomplete injury. However, we still know little with regard to the formation of new circuitries and functional outcome in association to when, where, and how grafts are inserted into the injured spinal cord, especially for sensory functions. In this perspective, we discuss the advantages of PNG from a clinical and surgical perspective, the need for adding/repairing long tracts, how PNGs are best applied for incomplete injuries, and the unexplored areas we believe are in need of answers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Kjell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Mikael Svensson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Neurosurgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
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12
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Rahman MA, Tharu NS, Gustin SM, Zheng YP, Alam M. Trans-Spinal Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Functional Rehabilitation after Spinal Cord Injury: Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061550. [PMID: 35329875 PMCID: PMC8954138 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most debilitating injuries in the world. Complications after SCI, such as respiratory issues, bowel/bladder incontinency, pressure ulcers, autonomic dysreflexia, spasticity, pain, etc., lead to immense suffering, a remarkable reduction in life expectancy, and even premature death. Traditional rehabilitations for people with SCI are often insignificant or ineffective due to the severity and complexity of the injury. However, the recent development of noninvasive electrical neuromodulation treatments to the spinal cord have shed a ray of hope for these individuals to regain some of their lost functions, a reduction in secondary complications, and an improvement in their life quality. For this review, 250 articles were screened and about 150 were included to summarize the two most promising noninvasive spinal cord electrical stimulation methods of SCI rehabilitation treatment, namely, trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) and trans-spinal pulsed current stimulation (tsPCS). Both treatments have demonstrated good success in not only improving the sensorimotor function, but also autonomic functions. Due to the noninvasive nature and lower costs of these treatments, in the coming years, we expect these treatments to be integrated into regular rehabilitation therapies worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Akhlasur Rahman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (M.A.R.); (N.S.T.); (Y.-P.Z.)
- Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Savar Union 1343, Bangladesh
| | - Niraj Singh Tharu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (M.A.R.); (N.S.T.); (Y.-P.Z.)
| | - Sylvia M. Gustin
- NeuroRecovery Research Hub, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (M.A.R.); (N.S.T.); (Y.-P.Z.)
| | - Monzurul Alam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (M.A.R.); (N.S.T.); (Y.-P.Z.)
- NeuroRecovery Research Hub, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-6213-5054
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Effect of Cervical Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation on Sensorimotor Cortical Activity during Upper-Limb Movements in Healthy Individuals. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041043. [PMID: 35207314 PMCID: PMC8878243 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) can improve upper-limb motor function after spinal cord injury. A number of studies have attempted to deduce the corticospinal mechanisms which are modulated following tSCS, with many relying on transcranial magnetic stimulation to provide measures of corticospinal excitability. Other metrics, such as cortical oscillations, may provide an alternative and complementary perspective on the physiological effect of tSCS. Hence, the present study recorded EEG from 30 healthy volunteers to investigate if and how cortical oscillatory dynamics are altered by 10 min of continuous cervical tSCS. Participants performed repetitive upper-limb movements and resting-state tasks while tSCS was delivered to the posterior side of the neck as EEG was recorded simultaneously. The intensity of tSCS was tailored to each participant based on their maximum tolerance (mean: 50 ± 20 mA). A control session was conducted without tSCS. Changes to sensorimotor cortical activity during movement were quantified in terms of event-related (de)synchronisation (ERD/ERS). Our analysis revealed that, on a group level, there was no consistency in terms of the direction of ERD modulation during tSCS, nor was there a dose-effect between tSCS and ERD/ERS. Resting-state oscillatory power was compared before and after tSCS but no statistically significant difference was found in terms of alpha peak frequency or alpha power. However, participants who received the highest stimulation intensities had significantly weakened ERD/ERS (10% ERS) compared to when tSCS was not applied (25% ERD; p = 0.016), suggestive of cortical inhibition. Overall, our results demonstrated that a single 10 min session of tSCS delivered to the cervical region of the spine was not sufficient to induce consistent changes in sensorimotor cortical activity among the entire cohort. However, under high intensities there may be an inhibitory effect at the cortical level. Future work should investigate, with a larger sample size, the effect of session duration and tSCS intensity on cortical oscillations.
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Taylor C, McHugh C, Mockler D, Minogue C, Reilly RB, Fleming N. Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation and motor responses in individuals with spinal cord injury: A methodological review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260166. [PMID: 34793572 PMCID: PMC8601579 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a non-invasive modality in which electrodes can stimulate spinal circuitries and facilitate a motor response. This review aimed to evaluate the methodology of studies using tSCS to generate motor activity in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to appraise the quality of included trials. Methods A systematic search for studies published until May 2021 was made of the following databases: EMBASE, Medline (Ovid) and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the quality of included trials. The electrical characteristics of stimulation were summarised to allow for comparison across studies. In addition, the surface electromyography (EMG) recording methods were evaluated. Results A total of 3753 articles were initially screened, of which 25 met the criteria for inclusion. Studies were divided into those using tSCS for neurophysiological investigations of reflex responses (n = 9) and therapeutic investigations of motor recovery (n = 16). The overall quality of evidence was deemed to be poor-to-fair (10.5 ± 4.9) based on the Downs and Black Quality Checklist criteria. The electrical characteristics were collated to establish the dosage range across stimulation trials. The methods employed by included studies relating to stimulation parameters and outcome measurement varied extensively, although some trends are beginning to appear in relation to electrode configuration and EMG outcomes. Conclusion This review outlines the parameters currently employed for tSCS of the cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar regions to produce motor responses. However, to establish standardised procedures for neurophysiological assessments and therapeutic investigations of tSCS, further high-quality investigations are required, ideally utilizing consistent electrophysiological recording methods, and reporting common characteristics of the electrical stimulation administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Taylor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| | - Conor McHugh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Mockler
- John Stearne Medical Library, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, School of Medicine, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Conor Minogue
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard B. Reilly
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Engineering, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Neil Fleming
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Biktimirov A, Pak O, Bryukhovetskiy I, Sharma A, Sharma HS. Neuromodulation as a basic platform for neuroprotection and repair after spinal cord injury. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 266:269-300. [PMID: 34689861 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most challenging medical issues. Spasticity is a major complication of SCI. A combination of spinal cord stimulation, new methods of neuroprotection and biomedical cellular products provides fundamentally new options for SCI treatment and rehabilitation. The paper attempts to critically analyze the effectiveness of using these procedures for patients with SCI, suggesting a protocol for a step-by-step personalized treatment of SCI, based on continuity of modern conservative and surgical methods. The study argues the possibility of using neuromodulation as a basis for rehabilitating patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Biktimirov
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia.
| | - Oleg Pak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Igor Bryukhovetskiy
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Aruna Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hari Shanker Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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16
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Atkins KD, Bickel CS. Effects of functional electrical stimulation on muscle health after spinal cord injury. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 60:226-231. [PMID: 34464934 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition interrupting voluntary movement and motor control. In response to unloading, skeletal muscle undergoes numerous adaptations, including rapid and profound atrophy, intramuscular fat accumulation, impaired muscular glucose metabolism and decreased force generation and muscle performance. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) involves electrically stimulating affected muscles to contract in a coordinated manner to create a functional movement or task. Effects of FES-cycling, rowing and resistance training on muscle health are described here. Briefly, FES-cycling and resistance training may slow muscle atrophy or facilitate muscle hypertrophy, and all modalities benefit muscle composition and performance to some extent. These interventions show promise as future rehabilitative tools after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly D Atkins
- Department of Physical Therapy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - C Scott Bickel
- Department of Physical Therapy, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Cavka K, Fuller DD, Tonuzi G, Fox EJ. Diaphragm Pacing and a Model for Respiratory Rehabilitation After Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurol Phys Ther 2021; 45:235-242. [PMID: 34049339 PMCID: PMC8711094 DOI: 10.1097/npt.0000000000000360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) can cause severe respiratory impairment. Although mechanical ventilation (MV) is a lifesaving standard of care for these patients, it is associated with diaphragm atrophy and dysfunction. Diaphragm pacing (DP) is a strategy now used acutely to promote MV weaning and to combat the associated negative effects. Initial reports indicate that DP also may promote neuromuscular plasticity and lead to improvements in spontaneous diaphragm activation and respiratory function. These outcomes suggest the need for reevaluation of respiratory rehabilitation for patients with CSCI using DP and consideration of new rehabilitation models for these patients and their unique care needs. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS This article discusses the rationale for consideration of DP as a rehabilitative strategy, particularly when used in combination with established respiratory interventions. In addition, a model of respiratory rehabilitation and recovery (RRR) is presented, providing a framework for rehabilitation and consideration of DP as an adjuvant rehabilitation approach. The model promotes goals such as respiratory recovery and independence, and lifelong respiratory health, via interdisciplinary care, respiratory training, quantitative measurement, and use of adjuvant strategies such as DP. Application of the model is demonstrated through a description of an inpatient rehabilitation program that applies model components to patients with CSCI who require DP. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE As DP use increases for patients with acute CSCI, so does the need and opportunity to advance rehabilitation approaches for these patients. This perspective article is a critical step in addressing this need and motivating the advancement of rehabilitation strategies for CSCI patients. (See Video Abstract, Supplemental Digital Content, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A348).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Cavka
- Brooks Rehabilitation, Jacksonville, Florida (K.C., G.T., E.J.F.); and Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville (D.D.F., E.J.F.)
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Guiho T, Baker SN, Jackson A. Epidural and transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation facilitates descending inputs to upper-limb motoneurons in monkeys. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 33540399 PMCID: PMC8208633 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/abe358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective. There is renewed interest in epidural and transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a therapy following spinal cord injury, both to reanimate paralyzed muscles as well as to potentiate weakened volitional control of movements. However, most work to date has focussed on lumbar SCS for restoration of locomotor function. Therefore, we examined upper-limb muscle responses and modulation of supraspinal-evoked movements by different frequencies of cervical SCS delivered to various epidural and transcutaneous sites in anaesthetized, neurologically intact monkeys. Approach. Epidural SCS was delivered via a novel multielectrode cuff placed around both dorsal and ventral surfaces of the cervical spinal cord, while transcutaneous SCS was delivered using a high carrier frequency through surface electrodes. Main results. Ventral epidural SCS elicited robust movements at lower current intensities than dorsal sites, with evoked motor unit potentials that reliably followed even high-frequency trains. By contrast, the muscle responses to dorsal SCS required higher current intensities and were attenuated throughout the train. However, dorsal epidural SCS and, to a lesser extent, transcutaneous SCS were effective at facilitating supraspinal-evoked responses, especially at intermediate stimulation frequencies. The time- and frequency-dependence of dorsal SCS effects could be explained by a simple model in which transynaptic excitation of motoneurons was gated by prior stimuli through presynaptic mechanisms. Significance. Our results suggest that multicontact electrodes allowing access to both dorsal and ventral epidural sites may be beneficial for combined therapeutic purposes, and that the interaction of direct, synaptic and presynaptic effects should be considered when optimising SCS-assisted rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Guiho
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyane and wear, NE2 4HH, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Stuart N Baker
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and wear, NE2 4HH, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Andrew Jackson
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and wear, NE2 4HH, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
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Casabona A, Valle MS, Dominante C, Laudani L, Onesta MP, Cioni M. Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling of Different Duration on Viscoelastic and Electromyographic Properties of the Knee in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury. Brain Sci 2020; 11:brainsci11010007. [PMID: 33374653 PMCID: PMC7822482 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The benefits of functional electrical stimulation during cycling (FES-cycling) have been ascertained following spinal cord injury. The instrumented pendulum test was applied to chronic paraplegic patients to investigate the effects of FES-cycling of different duration (20-min vs. 40-min) on biomechanical and electromyographic characterization of knee mobility. Seven adults with post-traumatic paraplegia attended two FES-cycling sessions, a 20-min and a 40-min one, in a random order. Knee angular excursion, stiffness and viscosity were measured using the pendulum test before and after each session. Surface electromyographic activity was recorded from the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles. FES-cycling led to reduced excursion (p < 0.001) and increased stiffness (p = 0.005) of the knee, which was more evident after the 20-min than 40-min session. Noteworthy, biomechanical changes were associated with an increase of muscle activity and changes in latency of muscle activity only for 20-min, with anticipated response times for RF (p < 0.001) and delayed responses for BF (p = 0.033). These results indicate that significant functional changes in knee mobility can be achieved by FES-cycling for 20 min, as evaluated by the pendulum test in patients with chronic paraplegia. The observed muscle behaviour suggests modulatory effects of exercise on spinal network aimed to partially restore automatic neuronal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Casabona
- Laboratory of Neuro-Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (L.L.); (M.C.)
- Residency Program of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Valle
- Laboratory of Neuro-Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (L.L.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudio Dominante
- Laboratory of Neuro-Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (L.L.); (M.C.)
- Residency Program of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Laudani
- Laboratory of Neuro-Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (L.L.); (M.C.)
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK
| | | | - Matteo Cioni
- Laboratory of Neuro-Biomechanics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.C.); (C.D.); (L.L.); (M.C.)
- Residency Program of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- U.O.P.I. Gait and Posture Analysis Laboratory—A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
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