Brain Sci., 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010119 · Published: January 17, 2022
This study investigates whether combining repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and active transvertebral direct current stimulation (tvDCS) with robot-assisted rehabilitation (RAR) improves lower extremity motor function in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). The study compares a group receiving RAR combined with non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to a group receiving RAR alone to see if the combined approach leads to better motor recovery. The findings suggest that pairing tvDCS with rTMS during RAR can improve lower extremity motor function more effectively than RAR alone, highlighting the potential benefits of combining these therapies.
Combining tvDCS and rTMS with RAR may offer a more effective approach to improve lower extremity motor function in individuals with iSCI compared to RAR alone.
Clinical features such as baseline LEMS, patient age, and time since injury should be considered when selecting patients for NIBS paradigms to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.
Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and incorporate objective clinical and neurophysiological measures to better understand the underlying mechanisms.