Multisite Hebbian Plasticity Restores Function in Humans with Spinal Cord Injury

This study explores a new method to improve motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI) using Hebbian plasticity, which strengthens connections between nerve cells that fire together. Participants with SCI received Hebbian stimulation to multiple muscles in the arms and legs, combined with exercise, to enhance the connection between the brain and the muscles. The results showed significant improvements in walking speed, grasping ability, and overall quality of life, suggesting that this approach could be a promising way to restore function after SCI.

• 1
  Participants receiving Hebbian stimulation improved their walking speed and corticospinal function to a greater extent than individuals receiving sham stimulation.
• 2
  Prospective study participants improved their grasping and walking, corticospinal function, and quality of life metrics, exhibiting greater improvements with more sessions that persisted nine-months post-therapy.
• 3
  Multisite Hebbian stimulation, informed by the physiology of the corticospinal system, represents an effective strategy to promote functional recovery following SCI.