Robot-driven spinal epidural stimulation compared with conventional stimulation in adult spinalized rats

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2011:2011:5807-10. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2011.6091437.

Abstract

Epidural stimulation to trigger locomotion is a promising treatment after spinal cord injury (SCI). Continuous stimulation during locomotion is the conventional method. To improve recovery, we tested an innovative robot-driven epidural stimulation method, combined with a trunk-based neurorobotic system. The system was tested in rat, and the results were compared with the results of the neurorobotic therapy combined with the conventional epidural stimulation method. The rats had better recovery after treatment with the robot-driven epidural stimulation than conventional stimulation in our neurorobotic rehabilitation system.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Epidural Space / physiopathology*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / complications
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / physiopathology*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / rehabilitation*
  • Rats
  • Recovery of Function / physiology*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Treatment Outcome