Spatiotemporal control of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation for motor function in SCI

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT 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.