Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2023 · DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01129-4 · Published: January 7, 2023
This study investigates the use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques like rTMS and tDCS to improve motor function in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). NIBS aims to modulate brain activity to enhance recovery. The study combined data from multiple clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of NIBS on various aspects of motor function, such as lower and upper extremity strength, balance, and spasticity. The results suggest that NIBS may positively affect lower extremity strength and balance in SCI patients, but more research is needed to optimize its application and confirm long-term benefits.
NIBS may be considered as a complementary treatment to conventional therapies for improving lower extremity motor function in SCI patients.
Future studies should focus on optimizing NIBS parameters, such as stimulation type, frequency, and duration, to maximize its effectiveness.
Further research is needed to identify which SCI patients are most likely to benefit from NIBS based on factors such as injury severity, lesion level, and time since injury.