Motor Control

Studies

Task and physiological specific stimulation for recovery of function after severe spinal cord injury

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of epidural stimulation of the spinal cord and task specific training on motor control, cardiovascular and respiratory function, and bowel, bladder and sexual function in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Interventions 

Stand Stimulation 

The combination of lumbosacral spinal cord epidural stimulation and stand training is used to promote the recovery of standing after severe spinal cord injury. Epidural stimulation parameters are tailored for each research participant with the goal of facilitating the generation of continuous activation patterns of the lower limb muscles in response to weight bearing-related sensory information. Stand training is generally performed overground with different devices (i.e. a custom-built standing apparatus, walkers, and others) that can be used by the participant for balance assistance. Manual assistance for facilitating knee, hip, and trunk extension is provided by trainers only when needed. During stand training, both stable standing and dynamic tasks that involve body weight shifting and upper limbs movement are practiced.

Step Stimulation 

Epidural stimulation of the lumbrosacral spinal cord is used in combination with Locomotor Training (link to standard LT language) to promote recovery of stepping following spinal cord injury. Research participants train on a Body Weight Support Treadmill (BWST) and are provided with manual assistance when needed. Epidural stimulation in combination with task specific training is used to retrain the spinal cord to relearn the complex motor task of stepping. The combination of stimulation with appropriate sensory cues can lead to independent stepping and reduce the need for manual assistance from trainers. Participants can be transitioned to stepping overground without body weight support as part of the training strategy.

Voluntary Movement Stimulation 

Epidural stimulation of the lumbrosacral spinal cord is used to facilitate movement of the legs and trunk following severe spinal cord injury. Isolation of toe, ankle and leg movements can be achieved with specific stimulation parameters. The research participants will practice these movements both in the laboratory and home environment with the goal of strengthening the connection between brain and spinal cord and promote recovery of the spinal networks intrinsic abilities.
Similarly to voluntary movement of the legs, trunk control is improved with specific stimulation parameters and task specific training. We combine epidural stimulation with trunk exercises to promote the recovery of sitting balance and trunk stability. Research participants will practice various upper extremity and trunk tasks to strengthen core muscles.

Epidural Stimulation Program

Epidural Stimulation Timeline

Motor Control

Cardiovascular and Respiratory

Bladder, Bowel and Sexual Function

Publications – Epidural Stimulation