Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Stimulation Promotes Long-Term Recovery of Upper Extremity Function in Chronic Tetraplegia

This study explores using electrical stimulation on the spinal cord through the skin to help restore arm and hand function in people with tetraplegia. The goal was to see if this stimulation could encourage the nervous system to adapt and improve motor control over time. A 62-year-old man with a spinal cord injury participated in a program that included periods of electrical stimulation combined with physical therapy, physical therapy alone, and then another short period of stimulation and physical therapy. The results showed improvements in strength, sensation, and the ability to use his hands after the stimulation and therapy. These improvements lasted for more than three months even without ongoing treatment.

• 1
  Upper extremity muscle strength nearly doubled over the course of treatment and stabilized at 75% stronger than baseline for three months without further treatment.
• 2
  Following only four weeks of stimulation + PT, overall neurological level of injury improved from C3 to C4 based on the ISNCSCI exam, and was sustained for the duration of the follow-up with no further treatment.
• 3
  Lateral pinch force measured during stimulation increased 2- to 7-fold in the left and right hands, respectively.