Skilled Motor Training and tDCS to Improve Leg Function After Spinal Cord Injury
| Status: | Terminated |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Hospital, Orthopedic |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Orthopedics / Podiatry, Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 65 |
| Updated: | 4/21/2016 |
| Start Date: | July 2013 |
| End Date: | March 2015 |
The study investigates the effect of using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
and skilled stepping training versus skilled stepping training with sham-tDCS in improving
ankle and leg motor control in persons with ambulatory persons with spinal cord injury.
Hypotheses H1: Participants will display greater improvement in stepping function following
tDCS combined with training compared to sham-tDCS and training.
H2: Participants will display greater gains in cortical excitability, as evidenced by lower
cortico-motor threshold (MT) associated with the TA muscles following tDCS and training
compared to following sham stimulation and training.
H3: Participants in the tDCS+training group will show greater increases walking speed in a
timed 10 meter walking trial.
H4: Participants in the tDCS+training group will show be able to perform a greater number of
toe-taps test.
and skilled stepping training versus skilled stepping training with sham-tDCS in improving
ankle and leg motor control in persons with ambulatory persons with spinal cord injury.
Hypotheses H1: Participants will display greater improvement in stepping function following
tDCS combined with training compared to sham-tDCS and training.
H2: Participants will display greater gains in cortical excitability, as evidenced by lower
cortico-motor threshold (MT) associated with the TA muscles following tDCS and training
compared to following sham stimulation and training.
H3: Participants in the tDCS+training group will show greater increases walking speed in a
timed 10 meter walking trial.
H4: Participants in the tDCS+training group will show be able to perform a greater number of
toe-taps test.
An estimated 265,000 individuals live with the consequences of SCI in the United States
alone. Individuals with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (MISCI) commonly experience loss
or impairment of lower extremity function. There are a limited number of options for
restoration of walking function in individuals with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury
(MISCI) who exhibit some ability to stand and walk but may be impeded by impaired voluntary
control of the lower limb particularly, the ankle.
In persons with spinal cord injury, walking function is often limited by poor ability to
lift and advance the legs. Lower extremity orthotic devices may be employed to stabilize the
ankle joint and provide toe clearance during walking. However, these devices are cumbersome,
and may be aesthetically unappealing.
Newer evidence indicates that non-invasive approaches to brain stimulation may provide a way
to improve voluntary control of the legs and ankles in persons with neurologic disorders.
Purpose of this research study:
The overall goal of this study is to develop functional rehabilitation strategies that
facilitate optimal restoration of leg and ankle motor control in individuals with MISCI.
Individuals with MISCI exhibit some motor function below the level of lesion and include
American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) classifications AIS C and AIS D.
We propose to test non-invasive cortical stimulation in combination with lower-extremity
functional motor training for its ability to assist in improving fine motor control of the
lower limbs in individuals with MISCI.
Studies have shown that non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can
increase activity in specific cortical areas associated with motor learning, and therefore
improve on the cortical and functional effects associated with motor practice training in
individuals with SCI. If brain stimulation in combination with motor training is found to
enhance improvements in control more effectively than motor training alone, this would
provide a basis for further examining stimulation combined with lower limb joint therapy in
individuals with spinal cord injury.
Objectives: To Assess improvements in lower extremity motor control that are associated with
bilateral tDCS and functional motor training or sham tDCS and functional motor training in
individuals with motor incomplete spinal cord injury.
alone. Individuals with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (MISCI) commonly experience loss
or impairment of lower extremity function. There are a limited number of options for
restoration of walking function in individuals with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury
(MISCI) who exhibit some ability to stand and walk but may be impeded by impaired voluntary
control of the lower limb particularly, the ankle.
In persons with spinal cord injury, walking function is often limited by poor ability to
lift and advance the legs. Lower extremity orthotic devices may be employed to stabilize the
ankle joint and provide toe clearance during walking. However, these devices are cumbersome,
and may be aesthetically unappealing.
Newer evidence indicates that non-invasive approaches to brain stimulation may provide a way
to improve voluntary control of the legs and ankles in persons with neurologic disorders.
Purpose of this research study:
The overall goal of this study is to develop functional rehabilitation strategies that
facilitate optimal restoration of leg and ankle motor control in individuals with MISCI.
Individuals with MISCI exhibit some motor function below the level of lesion and include
American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) classifications AIS C and AIS D.
We propose to test non-invasive cortical stimulation in combination with lower-extremity
functional motor training for its ability to assist in improving fine motor control of the
lower limbs in individuals with MISCI.
Studies have shown that non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can
increase activity in specific cortical areas associated with motor learning, and therefore
improve on the cortical and functional effects associated with motor practice training in
individuals with SCI. If brain stimulation in combination with motor training is found to
enhance improvements in control more effectively than motor training alone, this would
provide a basis for further examining stimulation combined with lower limb joint therapy in
individuals with spinal cord injury.
Objectives: To Assess improvements in lower extremity motor control that are associated with
bilateral tDCS and functional motor training or sham tDCS and functional motor training in
individuals with motor incomplete spinal cord injury.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Motor incomplete Spinal cord injured subjects.
- Ability to walk 10 m with or without walking aides.
- Ability to Dorsiflex (Move foot up) at least 5 degrees from sitting.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Seizures
- Cognitive function impairment
- Brain surgery or intracranial metal implants.
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