Case report: Virtual reality-based arm and leg cycling combined with transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation for early treatment of a cervical spinal cord injured patient

This case report explores a new therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients involving virtual reality (VR) based arm and leg cycling combined with transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). SCI often results in loss of motor and sensory function. The patient, a 50-year-old woman, experienced improvements in both sensory and motor abilities, as well as reduced anxiety and depression, after undergoing the combined therapy. The patient’s self-reliance and capacity to carry out everyday tasks showed ongoing enhancement, leading to the restoration of their functionality. While the results are promising, the study acknowledges limitations such as the small sample size and the potential for natural recovery to contribute to the observed improvements. Further research with larger, controlled trials is necessary.

• 1
  The patient experienced notable enhancement in both sensory and motor abilities as per the ASIA scores, indicating a positive impact of the combined therapy.
• 2
  The patient’s anxiety and depression were reduced as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety and Hamilton Depression Tests, suggesting a positive psychological impact of the intervention.
• 3
  The patient’s self-reliance and capacity to carry out everyday tasks showed ongoing enhancement, leading to the restoration of their functionality, as evaluated by the SCIM-III.