Early functional proprioceptive stimulation in high spinal cord injury: a pilot study

Front. Rehabil. Sci., 2025 · DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2025.1490904 · Published: February 26, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores a new rehabilitation method called functional proprioceptive stimulation (FPS) for patients with spinal cord injuries. FPS uses non-invasive sensory stimulation to potentially improve recovery. The study involved ten patients with spinal cord injuries, with half receiving early FPS and the other half receiving sham stimulation. The treatment was delivered using a device with vibrators placed on the lower limbs. The results showed that early FPS is safe and feasible for SCI patients, even in the intensive care unit. There was also a tendency toward a short-term reduction in spasticity with FPS.

Study Duration

Up to 8 weeks

Participants

10 SCI patients

Evidence Level

Level 1-2, Randomized pilot study

Key Findings

1
Early FPS is feasible and safe for SCI patients as early as the intensive care unit stage.
2
FPS induced a transient relaxation and spasticity reduction that could potentially enhance a rehabilitation session administered shortly after it.
3
No medium-term effects on spasticity or muscle atrophy could be identiﬁed.

Research Summary

This pilot study examined the safety, feasibility, and effects on spasticity and muscle atrophy of an early rehabilitation technique using non-invasive sensory stimulation and called functional proprioceptive stimulation (FPS). Treatment began early, with a median of 4 days post-injury for both groups. The number of adverse events was similar between groups, with none linked to the intervention. This pilot study shows that early FPS is feasible and safe for SCI as early as the intensive care unit stage. We demonstrated that FPS induced a transient relaxation and spasticity reduction that could potentially enhance a rehabilitation session administered shortly after it, but larger studies are needed to determine the medium and long-term effects.

Practical Implications

Early Intervention

Early FPS can be safely implemented in the ICU setting for SCI patients.

Spasticity Management

FPS may offer a temporary reduction in spasticity, potentially improving the effectiveness of subsequent rehabilitation sessions.

Patient Engagement

The study indicates a demand for early rehabilitation, with patients expressing satisfaction and a desire for more stimulation sessions.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits the ability to assess the effects of early FPS with sufﬁcient statistical power.
2
Motor completeness of the lesion emerged as a decisive factor in evaluating muscle atrophy effects.
3
Spasticity scales may lack sensitivity to reﬂect early-stage spasticity evolution.

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