Minimal handgrip force is needed for transcutaneous electrical stimulation to improve hand functions of patients with severe spinal cord injury

Scientific Reports, 2022 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11306-5 · Published: April 14, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, combined with training and/or a drug called buspirone, can improve hand function in people with severe paralysis after spinal cord injury. The study found that electrical stimulation improved hand strength and dexterity in some participants who had a small amount of residual hand strength. The drug buspirone did not significantly improve hand function or add to the effect of the stimulation, but it may have reduced muscle spasms.

Study Duration

20 weeks (Phase 1) + 4 weeks (Phases 2-5) + 5 months (Phase 6)

Participants

10 subjects with severe, motor-complete, cervical spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover study

Key Findings

1
Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) combined with training improves hand strength and manual dexterity in subjects with SCI who have residual grip strength greater than 0.1 N.
2
Buspirone did not significantly improve the hand function nor add to the effect of stimulation.
3
Improved hand function was sustained in subjects with residual grip force 2–5 months after the tSCS and buspirone treatment.

Research Summary

We demonstrated that a sham-controlled trial that tSCS combined with training can improve hand function, both strength and movement control, in severely impaired subjects with some detectable grip strength. While the transcutaneous stimulation showed more significant effects improving motor function and the force of hand grip in the patients with SCI and some residual hand strength, buspirone had a bigger role in improving the sensory function of the hand. Most importantly, our study demonstrated that the extent of residual hand grip function can effectively predict the extent of rehabilitation in response to neuromodulation and medication in the chronic stage of SCI.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

tSCS combined with training can be an effective rehabilitation strategy for individuals with SCI who possess some residual hand strength.

Predictive Biomarker

The degree of residual hand grip strength may serve as a predictor of responsiveness to neuromodulation and medication in SCI patients.

Spasticity Management

Buspirone may be considered for managing spasticity in SCI patients, though its impact on hand function may be limited.

Minimal handgrip force is needed for transcutaneous electrical stimulation to improve hand functions of patients with severe spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Predictive Biomarker

Spasticity Management

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Minimal handgrip force is needed for transcutaneous electrical stimulation to improve hand functions of patients with severe spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Predictive Biomarker

Spasticity Management

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?