The investigators have recently shown in incomplete SCI patients that long-term paired associative stimulation is capable of restoring voluntary control over some paralyzed muscles and enhancing motor output in the weak muscles (1,2). In this study, the investigators will administer long-term paired associative stimulation to patients with incomplete cervical level SCI and investigate its effectiveness for lower extremity rehabilitation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
5
Paired associative stimulation (PAS) administered several times per week for 8 weeks to lower limbs. PAS comprises transcranial magnetic stimulation (eXimia magnetic stimulator, Nexstim Ltd, Helsinki, Finland) and peripheral nerve stimulation (given with Dantec Keypoint® electroneuromyography device (Natus Medical Incorporated, Pleasanton, CA, USA)).
BioMag laboratory, Helsinki University Central Hospital
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
Daniels and Worthingham's Muscle Testing
Leg muscle stenght is evaluated on 0-5 scale (0=no movement, 5=normal)
Time frame: 2 days after the last stimulation session
Daniels and Worthingham's Muscle Testing
leg muscles are evaluated on 0-5 scale
Time frame: 1 month after the last stimulation session
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.