A Telerehabilitation Program for SCI

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) has been associated with serious reduction in functional independence. Despite compelling evidence that treatment intensity has a profound effect on motor recovery only a small fraction of SCI population are able to receive intensive in-clinic treatment. Difficulty traveling to the clinic, poor adherence to assignments and high cost are limiting factors. Currently, telerehabilitation programs are emerging as an alternative effective method of delivery for rehabilitation services. The literature and our preliminary findings support the model that augmentation of activity in spared corticospinal tract (CST) axons is a critical mechanism of motor improvement, and furthermore that CST activity can be increased by repetitive motor training and by electrical stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1). However, there is still lack of knowledge on safety, feasibility and efficacy of remotely- supervised home-based therapy programs that incorporates non-invasive brain stimulation and high intensity repetitive arm exercises. To address these questions, 36 adults (above 18 years) with cervical SCI will be randomly assigned to two groups in a 2:1 ratio (active stimulation group, n=24 vs control group, n=12) and receive daily treatment, 10 sessions, over 2-weeks. The anodal tDCS will be applied over primary motor cortex (M1) at an intensity of 2mA for 20 minutes and proceed with 60 minutes of repetitive arm and hand training. Primary outcome measure is change in Graded and Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension (GRASSP) from baseline to immediately after treatment and 4-weeks follow-up. The session will be supervised in real-time via videoconferencing.

Inclusion criteria

• diagnosis of a chronic incomplete cervical lesion as defined by the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment scale classification and at least for 6 months post-injury;
• upper-extremity weakness associated with tetraplegia with minimal residual thumb and index; finger movement sufficient to grip small objects such as marble;
• no brain injury;
• no planned alteration in upper-extremity therapy or medication for muscle tone during the course of the study;
• no contradiction to tDCS;
• access to internet at home.

Exclusion criteria

• prior history of seizure;
• chronic use of neuroactive medication (e.g., neurostimulants, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants);
• any joint contracture or severe spasticity in the affected upper extremity, as measured by a Modified Ashworth Score ≥ than 3 out of 4.