Transcutaneous spinal stimulation for reducing lower limb spasticity in chronic spinal cord injury
Key Information
This research study aims to find out if electrical stimulation can reduce muscle stiffness and spasms in people with spinal cord injury. For this, we will place stimulation pads on the lower back and the belly to activate nerves near the spinal cord. This type of electrical stimulation is known as transcutaneous spinal stimulation and has no documented side effects. However, the continuous stimulation for 30 minutes may be uncomfortable in which case we will stop the stimulation.
You will be asked to come to the Methodist Rehabilitation Center nine times over eight weeks. Each visit will take about 2-3 hours to complete the evaluation with or without electrical stimulation. In addition, you will be asked to apply stimulation at home daily for 30 min over two weeks, stop the stimulation for two weeks, and do it again daily over two weeks. After the study, you will be asked to join other participants in discussing your experience with this type of stimulation.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 18 years or older
- History of spinal cord injury (ASIA Impairment Scale grades A-D)
- Time since injury longer than six months
- The presence of at least mild spasticity
More information
Contact Jennifer Sivak, OTR/L
Research Occupational Therapist
Phone: (601) 364-3567
Email: jsivak@mmrcrehab.org.