Work

Biomechanical Effects of Varying Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Amplitude During Walking in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Series

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a promising neuromodulation strategy with the potential to enhance locomotor rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injury. To maximize the effectiveness of this technique, it is crucial to select the optimal stimulation amplitude during a rehabilitation session. However, current tuning methods are time-consuming and subjective, relying on trial-and-error, clinician observations, and participant feedback. To improve this process, there is a need to define quantitative relationships between stimulation amplitude and measurable biomechanical metrics. In this study, we present a case series that includes two participants with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury walking with tSCS programmed to provide different stimulation amplitudes. We measured spatiotemporal parameters, electromyography, and inverse kinematics during overground walking with tSCS. Our results indicate that gait speed, stride length, and electromyography outcomes (e.g., muscle co-activation) systematically change with stimulation amplitude. This research is valuable in advancing our understanding of how stimulation amplitude relates to walking biomechanics. In the future, this knowledge will be used to design real-time, adaptive tSCS tuning methods for use in rehabilitation.

Source: IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics

DOI: 10.1109/tmrb.2025.3605960

Authors: Annika Pfister, Soshi Samejima, Chet T. Moritz, Kimberly A. Ingraham

Institution: University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Spinal Cord Injury Research

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,645