Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation enhances walking performance and reduces spasticity in individuals with multiple sclerosis

37Citations
Citations of this article
69Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Gait dysfunction and spasticity are common debilitating consequences of multiple sclerosis (MS). Improvements of these motor impairments by lumbar transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) have been demonstrated in spinal cord injury. Here, we explored for the first time the motor effects of lumbar tSCS applied at 50 Hz for 30 min in 16 individuals with MS and investigated their temporal persistence post-intervention. We used a comprehensive protocol assessing walking ability, different presentations of spasticity, standing ability, manual dexterity, and trunk control. Walking ability, including walking speed and endurance, was significantly improved for two hours beyond the intervention and returned to baseline after 24 h. Muscle spasms, clonus duration, and exaggerated stretch reflexes were reduced for two hours, and clinically assessed lower-extremity muscle hypertonia remained at improved levels for 24 h post-intervention. Further, postural sway during normal standing with eyes open was decreased for two hours. No changes were detected in manual dexterity and trunk control. Our results suggest that transcutaneous lumbar SCS can serve as a clinically accessible method without known side effects that holds the potential for substantial clinical benefit across the disability spectrum of MS.

References Powered by Scopus

Rating neurologic impairment in multiple sclerosis: An expanded disability status scale (EDSS)

13518Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Interrater reliability of a modified Ashworth scale of muscle spasticity

4406Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Which elements are excited in electrical stimulation of mammalian central nervous system: A review

1714Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cited by Powered by Scopus

Motor improvements enabled by spinal cord stimulation combined with physical training after spinal cord injury: review of experimental evidence in animals and humans

28Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Poststroke arm and hand paresis: should we target the cervical spinal cord?

15Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Influence of spine curvature on the efficacy of transcutaneous lumbar spinal cord stimulation

11Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Hofstoetter, U. S., Freundl, B., Lackner, P., & Binder, H. (2021). Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation enhances walking performance and reduces spasticity in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Brain Sciences, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11040472

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 16

48%

Researcher 14

42%

Lecturer / Post doc 2

6%

Professor / Associate Prof. 1

3%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Neuroscience 13

41%

Engineering 10

31%

Medicine and Dentistry 5

16%

Nursing and Health Professions 4

13%

Article Metrics

Tooltip
Mentions
References: 1

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free