A novel rehabilitation bike has been developed for patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries that incorporates mechanical stimulators on the bike pedals to stimulate the sensory receptors in the soles of the feet; the effect of mechanical stimulator on muscle strengthening has been reported by NASA to improve muscle atrophy in astronauts in zero-gravity environments. Cycling also stimulates lower limb position sensors. We predict that the combination of mechanical stimulation with cycling may be similar enough to walking over ground to lead to gains in balance and mobility. The present study will evaluate the therapeutic effect of this bike on balance, walking, as well as cortical-spinal and spinal pathways in patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
INTRODUCTION: Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) experience balance impairments and limitations in walking. Newer research demonstrates that even after several years individuals with incomplete SCIs can make significant gains in function when they are engaged in targeted physical activity. Previous studies using functional electrical stimulation and locomotion training report reduced spasticity and reflex control, increased electromyography activity during stepping, and increased thigh muscles mass. However, these methods and instruments are bulky, expensive, need technical maintenance, and must be used in a clinical setting. A novel rehabilitation bicycle that uses simultaneous stimulation of plantar mechanoreceptors and hip joint proprioceptors was developed in the department of Biomedical Engineering of University of Manitoba. An advantage of this device is that patients can use it at home and with minimal assistance. Five patients completed initial pilot testing and exhibited an overall improvement on the Berg Balance Scale. Presently, the effect of rehabilitation bike training on the plasticity of the spinal and corticospinal neuronal circuitry and consequently its effects on the functional walking capacity are unclear. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the rehabilitation bike on corticospinal and spinal plasticity, and functional walking and balance in incomplete SCI individuals. METHODS: Ten individuals with chronic incomplete SCI will participate in this study. The protocol will include 30 minute training sessions, three times/week, for 8 weeks. The study design will be a before-after clinical trial with two baseline assessments prior to training. Post-training evaluation after two weeks will be done and there will be a post-training follow-up assessment after two weeks. Evaluations of functional recovery and independence include: Six -Minute and Ten-Meter Walk Tests, Walking index for spinal cord injury(WISCI II). The Berg Balance Scale(BBS) will be conducted to assess balance. Results will be compared before and after training. H-reflex and motor evoked potential (using transcranial magnetic stimulation ,TMS) will also be measured before and after cycling training to assess the plasticity at the level of the spine and in the corticospinal pathways respectively. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Compared to locomotion training with treadmills and robotic devices, using the rehabilitation bike is affordable and patients are able to use it independently at home, without the help of a physical therapist or a caregiver. Results of this study will clarify the possible positive effect of training with the rehabilitation bike on the corticospinal reorganization as well as training effects on the functional recovery of balance and walking. If the findings from the present study are consistent with the initial pilot data, then it will provide incomplete SCI patients and their therapists with a new option for rehabilitation that is feasible and cost-effective. Considering the relatively high incidence of SCI in Manitoba, the findings from this study will directly improve quality of life for Manitobans and Canadians living with spinal cord injuries.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
Cycling and Mechanical stimulation : 30 minute cycling training, 3 times a week for 8 weeks.
Rehab/Resp Hospital (Health Sciences Center)
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Change in Peak-to-peak amplitude of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs)
MEPs in tibialis anterior muscle using single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation will be measure.The average of 4 trials in different stimulation intensity will be calculated.
Time frame: 2 weeks prior to first baseline measurement, prior to first training session, after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of training, 2 weeks after the last training session
Change in Peak-to-peak amplitude of the H-reflex
Average of 10 peak to peak amplitudes of the H-reflex in soleus muscle with stimulation frequencies of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 10 Hz.
Time frame: 2 weeks prior to first baseline measurement, prior to first training session, after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of training, 2 weeks after the last training session
Change in Berg Balance Scale score(BBS)
BBS is a 14-item scale to assess balance.Total Score is 56 points.
Time frame: 2 weeks prior to first baseline measurement, prior to first training session, after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of training, 2 weeks after the last training session
Change in 10 meter walk test time
Duration of walking for 10 meters.
Time frame: 2 weeks prior to first baseline measurement, prior to first training session, after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of training, 2 weeks after the last training session
Change in 2 minute walk test score
The distance walked within 6 minutes.
Time frame: 2 weeks prior to first baseline measurement, prior to first training session, after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of training, 2 weeks after the last training session
Change in Walking index for spinal cord injury (WISCI II) score
WISCI II is an index; it scores the ability of an individual to walk after SCI after a 10 meters of walking. The index score range is 0-20 from the level of most severe impairment (0) to least severe impairment (20) based on the use of devices, braces and physical assistance of one or more persons
Time frame: 2 weeks prior to first baseline measurement, prior to first training session, after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of training, 2 weeks after the last training session
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