Reactivating Neural Circuits with Clinically Accessible Stimulation to Restore Hand Function in Persons with Tetraplegia
Abstract
This study is designed to examine arm and hand function after receiving fine motor training combined with stimulation to increase brain excitability in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries. The project is studying two types of stimulation- transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a type of non-invasive brain stimulation, and peripheral nerve somatosensory stimulation, which is stimulation to the median nerve. A total of 80 participants enrolled in the study, 63 participants with acute spinal cord injuries (>6 months post injury) and 18 participants with chronic injuries (>1-year post injury). 7 participants out of the 80 enrolled did not complete the study. The project was performed in a real-world clinical setting, making the results immediately relevant for application to clinical practice. Our hypothesis is that the brains ability to push information through the remaining spinal pathways will result in more effective therapy and larger improvements in hand function. We are currently in the data reduction and analysis phase of the study. We collected outcome measures that looked both at the clinical presentation of the participants, using standardized rehabilitation therapy assessments, and the neurophysiological presentation of the participants, using electromyography (EMG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). With 10 outcome measures total, we have completed data reduction, but continue to work actively with the biostatistician analyze the data is a way that extracts the greatest value for understanding the results and informing clinical practice. Further information about our current progress is below under accomplishments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1200773
Entities
People
- Edelle C Field-Fote