Priming with high-frequency transspinal stimulation to augment locomotor training benefits in spinal cord injury

It is proposed that transspinal stimulation be used as a method to synergistically prime the nervous system for better response to locomotor training. Transspinal stimulation alters motoneuron excitability across multiple spinal segments, a prerequisite for functioning descending and local inputs. Importantly, whether concurrent treatment with transspinal stimulation and locomotor training maximizes motor recovery after spinal cord injury remains unknown.

The goal of this clinical trial is to use high frequency transspinal stimulation to prime locomotor training and ultimately improve standing, walking, and overall function in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (NCT04807764). The project is funded by the NICHD/NIH under Grant Number R01HD100544 awarded to Dr. Maria Knikou.