A flexible electrode array for determining regions of motor function activated by epidural spinal cord stimulation in rats with spinal cord injury

Neural Regen Res, 2022 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.320987 · Published: March 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study introduces a high-density, flexible electrode array designed to precisely stimulate the spinal cord in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal is to identify specific areas that, when stimulated, activate lower limb muscles. By mapping these areas, researchers aim to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS), a technique showing promise for restoring motor function after SCI. The electrode array allows for targeted stimulation and recording of muscle responses, helping to refine stimulation parameters for potential therapeutic applications in SCI.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

Eight specific-pathogen-free female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study identified specific regions in the spinal cord (L1 and L2 vertebral levels) where stimulation effectively activated the vastus lateralis (VL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles, respectively.
2
The stimulation threshold (current required) for the VL muscle was found to be higher than that for the MG muscle, indicating that different muscles require different stimulation parameters.
3
Increasing the stimulation frequency enhanced the muscle response, but excessive current could activate unwanted muscles, highlighting the importance of optimizing stimulation parameters.

Research Summary

This study introduces a high-density flexible electrode array for precise epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The research identifies specific spinal cord regions (ESCSMFRs) for activating lower limb muscles and determines optimal stimulation parameters. The findings demonstrate the potential of high-density electrode arrays to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of ESCS for SCI treatment.

Practical Implications

Improved ESCS Therapy

The findings can be used to design more targeted and effective ESCS therapies for individuals with SCI, leading to improved motor function recovery.

Refined Electrode Design

The study provides insights into the design of future electrode arrays, including electrode density and spatial arrangement, to optimize stimulation specificity.

Personalized Stimulation Parameters

The research highlights the importance of tailoring stimulation parameters (current and frequency) to individual patients and target muscles for optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
A high density of electrodes in a single electrode slice was not realized because of limitations of our electrode technology.
2
because the experiment was conducted in anesthetized rats, we could not detect the change of the stimulation responses in SCI rats over time.
3
The TA and semitendinosus were activated between the ESCSMFRs of the VL and MG, and simultaneously with other muscles.

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