Spatiotemporal tSCS in Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering event that leads to long-lasting motor impairment. Currently, there is no cure for paralysis. Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) combined with exercise training can restore posture control, voluntary walking, and arm/hand function in people with SCI. However, its low selectivity in activating specific muscles compared to invasive approaches limits the rehabilitation exercises that can be practiced and help with recovery. This project will generate evidence-based knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying spatial, frequency, and amplitude control of tSCS in generating different types of leg movements. Participants with SCI will perform leg movements using different stimulation parameter configurations in non-invasive tSCS. We will quantify changes in muscle recruitment, torque generation, and pain enabled by the different stimulation parameters. A clear understanding of the mechanisms by which these different parameters in non-invasive tSCS can be used to selectively target different muscle groups will promote the development of personalized therapies that directly target only those muscles that need assistance while respecting individuals' residual motor function.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 16 and 65 years.
• Have a spinal cord injury (neurological level C3-T12) that occurred ≥1 year (chronic stage) prior to enrollment.
• American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) classification C or D
• Able to voluntarily contract (motor score ≥ 1) at least two leg muscles (visual or palpable contraction).
• Use of prescription medication(s) for control of spasticity has not changed in the last 2 weeks
• Able to provide consent
• Ability to follow multiple instructions and communicate pain or discomfort

Exclusion criteria

• Progressive spinal lesions, including degenerative disorders of the spinal cord
• Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding
• History of cardiopulmonary disease or cardiac symptoms
• Implanted stimulators of any type (baclofen pump, epidural spinal stimulator, cardiac defibrillator, pace-maker, etc.)
• Presence of orthopedic conditions that would negatively affect participation in leg exercise
• History of autonomic dysreflexia that is severe, unstable, and/or uncontrolled
• Unstable or significant medical conditions that can interfere with exercise or neurophysiological evaluations, such as severe neuropathic pain, depression, mood disorders, or other cognitive disorders
• Spasms that limit the ability to participate in leg exercise activity
• Breakdown in skin area that will be in contact with electrodes