Spinal Cord Research Help
AboutCategoriesLatest ResearchContact
Subscribe
Spinal Cord Research Help

Making Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Accessible to Everyone. Simplified summaries of the latest research, designed for patients, caregivers and anybody who's interested.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Categories
  • Latest Research
  • Disclaimer

Contact

  • Contact Us
© 2025 Spinal Cord Research Help

All rights reserved.

  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Spinal Cord Injury
  4. Implanted Electrical Stimulation of the Trunk for Seated Postural Stability and Function after Cervical SCI: A Single Case Study

Implanted Electrical Stimulation of the Trunk for Seated Postural Stability and Function after Cervical SCI: A Single Case Study

Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2009 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.07.029 · Published: February 1, 2009

Spinal Cord InjuryNeurologyRehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how electrical stimulation of paralyzed trunk and hip muscles can improve posture and function in someone with complete paralysis after a spinal cord injury. The implanted device helped stabilize the torso, which improved seated posture, breathing, and ability to reach. The implanted neuroprosthesis activated key muscles in the trunk and hips, resulting in better spinal alignment, increased lung capacity, and improved ability to resist external forces that could cause falls. The participant was also able to perform tasks such as returning to an upright seated position and rolling in bed more independently. By using electrical stimulation to provide trunk stability, the individual experienced improvements in performing daily activities and felt a greater sense of safety and independence, highlighting the potential benefits of this technology for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with tetraplegia.

Study Duration
4 Months
Participants
One 44-year-old male with C4 ASIA A tetraplegia
Evidence Level
Level 4: Single-subject case study

Key Findings

  • 1
    Electrical stimulation improved spinal alignment, reducing spinal convexity and kyphosis. Specifically, spinal convexity improved by 26° and kyphosis by 21°.
  • 2
    The intervention led to an increase in pulmonary function, with forced expiratory volume increasing by 10% and forced vital capacity by 22%.
  • 3
    Seated stability was enhanced, as indicated by a greater than 40% increase in average resistance to sagittal disturbances (p<0.002), and the ability to return to an upright sitting position from a fully flexed position was restored.

Research Summary

This single-subject case study investigated the effects of an implanted neuroprosthesis on seated postural stability and function in an individual with C4 ASIA A tetraplegia. The neuroprosthesis delivered electrical stimulation to the lumbar erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and gluteus maximus muscles bilaterally. Results showed improvements in spinal alignment, pulmonary function, forward reach, and seated stability with stimulation. The participant was also able to perform activities such as returning to an upright seated position and rolling in bed more independently. The study concludes that a neuroprosthesis for controlling the paralyzed torso can positively impact various aspects of physical function and enable new personal mobility functions, suggesting it may complement or provide an alternative to conventional interventions.

Practical Implications

Improved Posture and Stability

Electrical stimulation can improve posture, spinal alignment and seated stability, potentially reducing the need for restrictive straps or supports.

Enhanced Respiratory Function

The intervention can enhance respiratory function by improving the mechanical position of the lungs and diaphragm.

Increased Independence in ADLs

Electrical stimulation may enable individuals with tetraplegia to perform activities of daily living and personal mobility functions, such as returning to an upright position and turning in bed, more independently.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Single-subject case study limits generalizability.
  • 2
    The open-loop nature of the intervention was unresponsive to environmental changes.
  • 3
    Indirect measures of impairment may not sufficiently address function during activities of daily living.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury