Therapeutic intraspinal microstimulation improves forelimb function after cervical contusion injury

J Neural Eng, 2013 · DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/10/4/044001 · Published: August 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores a method called intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) to improve forelimb function after a cervical spinal cord injury in rats. The researchers implanted stimulating wires within the cervical spinal cord and delivered therapeutic ISMS for 12 weeks after injury. They found that stimulated animals performed significantly better in behavioral tests. The results suggest that therapeutic ISMS can promote sustained recovery of forelimb function beyond the period of stimulation, indicating potential strategies for neural devices to aid recovery after injury.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

22 adult female Long-Evans rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Therapeutic ISMS resulted in modest but durable improvement in forelimb reaching function, with benefits persisting beyond the period of stimulation.
2
ISMS led to reduced forelimb flexor tone and increased volitional movement coordination. Stimulated rats performed better than unstimulated rats in all twelve components of reach analysis.
3
Stimulation most commonly evoked highly-functional movements such as elbow and digit extension, with the later increasing during treatment.

Research Summary

The study investigated the therapeutic potential of chronic intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) on forelimb motor function recovery after cervical contusion injury in rats. Stimulating electrodes were implanted in the cervical spinal cord, and animals received therapeutic ISMS for 12 weeks. The study found improvements in forelimb reaching, reduced flexor tone, and increased movement coordination in the stimulated group compared to the unstimulated group. The results indicate that therapeutic ISMS can lead to sustained improvements in motor function beyond the period of stimulation, suggesting a potential approach for neural devices in promoting recovery after neurological injury.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Intervention

ISMS could be developed as a therapeutic intervention to improve motor function after spinal cord injury.

Neuroprosthetic Device Development

The findings support the development of neuroprosthetic devices that utilize ISMS to promote sustained recovery.

Combination Therapies

ISMS could be combined with other therapies like stem cell transplants and pharmacological interventions to enhance regeneration after CNS injury.

Study Limitations

1
Small animal model (rats) limits direct translation to human applications.
2
The exact location of the stimulation electrodes within the spinal lamina was not determined.
3
The limited rostro-caudal extent of the implant likely restricted the range of forelimb movements observed.

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