Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation Promoting Recovery of Hand and Arm Function After Pediatric-onset Spinal Cord Injury
University of Louisville
Summary
Children who suffer a spinal cord injury in the neck region have difficulty using their hands due to paralysis and/or weakness of their arms and hand muscles. The purpose of this project is to test the safety, comfort, and practicality of a new therapy that stimulates the spinal cord to facilitate activation of arm and hand muscles while practicing grasping, pinching, and reaching movements. The long-term goal is to provide better therapies that will improve the ability of children with SCI to more successfully play and accomplish everyday tasks using their arms and hands, similar to before their injury.
Description
Adults with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) rank gaining arm and hand function as the highest priority for improving their quality of life. Children with SCI, similarly experience paralysis of hand and arm muscles that limits their engagement in play and exploration typical for child development . Furthermore, pediatric-onset SCI disrupts the acquisition of motor skills involved in activities of daily living such as feeding, dressing and grooming increasing the child's dependence on a parent/caregiver. Current interventions teach persons with SCI to use a brace or splint to compensate for pa…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 4–18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * history of chronic, acquired SCI, (\>1 year since injury); * SCI involves cervical and/or high thoracic (T1) levels * moderate to severe upper extremity deficit as assessed by the Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Upper Extremity Scale (scores less than 4A out of a 12 point range from 1A-4C on upper extremity tasks, e.g. including inability to fully reach overhead, grasp, or pinch without compensation) * discharged from in-patient rehabilitation Exclusion Criteria: * botox use within past 3 months; * current baclofen use * unhealed upper extremity fracture * any other m…
Interventions
- DeviceBiostim-5 transcutaneous spinal stimulator
Safety and feasibility will be monitored during transcutaneous spinal stimulation in children with spinal cord injury
Location
- Department of NeurosurgeryLouisville, Kentucky