Combined use of body weight support, functional electric stimulation, and treadmill training to improve walking ability in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of an intervention combining body weight support (BWS), functional electric stimulation (FES), and treadmill training on overground walking speed (OGWS), treadmill walking speed, speed and distance, and lower extremity motor scores (LEMS). DESIGN: Before and after comparison. SETTING: Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen subjects with American Spinal Injury Association class C injury who were at least 1 year postinjury and had asymmetrical lower extremity function. INTERVENTION: Subjects trained 1.5 hours per day, 3 days per week, for 3 months. The training consisted of body weight-supported treadmill walking assisted by electric stimulation. Stimulation was applied to common peroneal nerve of the weaker lower extremity (LE) and timed to assist with the swing phase of the step cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: OGWS in the absence of both BWS and FES; LEMS, and treadmill training parameters of speed and distance. RESULTS: Over the course of training, there was a significant increase in OGWS (from.12 +/- 0.8m/s to .21 +/- .15m/s, p = .0008), treadmill walking speed (from .23 +/- .12m/s to.49 +/- .20m/s, p = .00003), and treadmill walking distance (from 93 +/- 84m to 243 +/- 139m, p = .000001). The median LEMS increased significantly for both the stimulated and nonstimulated leg (from 8 to 11 in the FES-assisted leg, from 15 to 18 in the nonassisted leg, p < .005 for each). CONCLUSIONS: All subjects showed improvement in OGWS and overall LE strength. Further research is required to delineate the essential elements of these particular training strategies.     

Muscle hypertrophy in quadriplegics with combined electrical stimulation and body weight support training

We describe the analysis of muscle hypertrophy in complete quadriplegics after 6 months of treadmill gait training with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). We aim to evaluate the effect of treadmill gait training using NMES, with 30-50% body weight relief, on muscle mass. Fifteen quadriplegics were divided into gait (n=8) and control (n=7) groups. The gait group (GG) performed training, associated to partial body weight support, for 6 months, twice a week, for 20 min. Control group (CG) individuals performed only conventional physiotherapy, but did not perform gait training using NMES. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed over quadriceps, at the beginning and after 6 months. The MRI was done to determine the average of cross-sectional area of the quadriceps. Moreover, a gray scale was used to separate the muscle from the conjunctive tissue (when the value is closer to 225, there is a higher amount of muscle tissue). After 6 months there was an increase of cross-sectional area in the gait group (from 49.81+/-9.36 to 57.33+/-10.32 cm2; P=0.01), but not in the control group (from 43.60+/-7.56 to 41.65 +/- 9.44 cm2; P=0.17). The gray scale did not show significant differences after 6 months; however, the mean value of the gray scale inside the quadriceps in the gait group increased by 7.7% and in the control group decreased by 11.4%. Treadmill gait associated with NMES was efficient to promove quadriceps muscle hypertrophy in quadriplegics with chronic lesions even when a partial body weight support was provided.     

大鼠部分重量支撑平板训练新模型在不完全性脊髓损伤运动功能改善中的应用

目的:探讨部分重量支撑平板训练(BWSTT)新模型对不完全性SCI大鼠功能改善的效果。方法:成年健康SD大鼠40只,随机分成对照组、实验组,采用改良Allen撞击法制作脊髓不完全损伤模型。实验组大鼠采用自制装置进行BWSTT。在不同时间点采用斜板试验、改良Tarlov评分、BBB评分进行运动功能评定。结果:实验组大鼠运动训练2-4周组,斜板实验、改良Tarlov评分、BBB评分均较对照组显著提高(P0.05),训练3周和4周组较训练1周和2周组显著提高(P0.05)。结论:BWSTT新模型能有效改善不完全性脊髓损伤大鼠运动功能,并与运动训练时程相关。     

步态诱发功能性电刺激对不完全性脊髓损伤患者的疗效观察

目的:观察步态诱发功能性电刺激治疗不完全性脊髓损伤患者的疗效.方法:对40例不完全性脊髓损伤的患者,随机分为两组,对照组进行常规药物治疗、康复治疗,治疗组除常规药物治疗、康复治疗,每天佩戴步态诱发功能性电刺激进行患侧腓总神经、胫前肌电刺激同时步行训练,15-20min.每天2次,每周5-6d,共4周.分别在治疗前、治疗2周、4周行功能独立性评定(FIM)行走能力测评、10m最大步行速度测试、运动诱发电位(MEP)检测,治疗前后行胫前肌肌力评定.结果:治疗2周后,两组FIM行走能力、10m最大步行速度、胫前肌MEP潜伏期两组无明显差异(P＞0.05).治疗4周后,与对照组比较,FES治疗组FIM行走能力评分提高(P＜0.01)、10m最大步行速度提高(P＜0.05)、胫前肌MEP潜伏期缩短更明显(P＜0.01).胫前肌肌力治疗前两组比较无显著性意义(P＞0.05),治疗4周后,两组肌力比较有显著性意义(P＜0.05).结论:功能性电刺激能显著改善不完全性脊髓损伤患者步行功能,运动诱发电位为判断脊髓运动传导功能提供了客观、定量的依据,功能性电刺激是一种安全有效的训练方法.     

Robotic-assisted, body-weight-supported treadmill training in individuals following motor incomplete spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Performance of therapist-assisted, body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) to enhance walking ability of people with neurological injury is an area of intense research. Its application in the clinical setting, however, is limited by the personnel and labor requirements placed on physical therapists. Recent development of motorized ("robotic") rehabilitative devices that provide assistance during stepping may improve delivery of BWSTT. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report describes the use of a robotic device to enhance motor recovery and ambulation in 3 people following motor incomplete spinal cord injury. INTERVENTIONS: Changes in motor impairment, functional limitations, and locomotor disability were monitored weekly during robotic-assisted BWSTT and following transition to therapist-assisted BWSTT with the assistance of one therapist. OUTCOMES: Following this training, 2 patients recovered independent over-ground walking and another improved his gait speed and endurance. DISCUSSION: The use of robotic devices may assist physical therapists by providing task-specific practice of stepping in people following neurological injury.     

Increased aerobic fitness after neuromuscular electrical stimulation training in adults with spinal cord injury

Carty A, McCormack K, Coughlan GF, Crowe L, Caulfield B. Increased aerobic fitness after neuromuscular electrical stimulation training in adults with spinal cord injury.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of a novel neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) system for improving aerobic fitness in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It was hypothesized that training with this NMES system would increase peak oxygen consumption (Vo₂peak) and peak heart rate (HRpeak) in a sedentary adult SCI population.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingAll testing took place at a university human performance laboratory.ParticipantsVolunteer participants with SCI (N=16; T4-11 American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grades A and B) were recruited from the national SCI outpatient and outreach service databases. All completed the training program, but results from 2 participants were excluded because posttraining tests were invalid. Therefore, 14 participants (11 men, 3 women) completed the program and testing.InterventionsFour electrodes (175cm²) were placed bilaterally on the quadriceps and hamstrings muscle groups, and subtetanic contractions were elicited using an NMES device. Training was undertaken unsupervised at home for 1 hour, 5d/wk for 8 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresAn incremental treadmill wheelchair propulsion exercise test with simultaneous cardiopulmonary gas exchange analysis was used to determine Vo₂peak and HRpeak.ResultsA statistically significant increase in Vo₂peak (P=.001) and HRpeak (P=.032) between baseline and follow-up was observed.ConclusionsThis novel form of NMES is an effective method of improving aerobic fitness in an SCI population. Results are comparable to those with current functional electrical stimulation exercise systems.     

电针刺激脊髓损伤患者穴位的脊髓磁共振功能成像激活区特征

背景:研究发现脊髓功能激活区域和电生理等理论对应区域相一致,多数学者认为使用功能磁共振技术检测脊髓神经功能是可行的.目的:检测电针刺激脊髓损伤患者的脊髓磁共振功能成像激活区特征,验证使用脊髓磁共振功能成像技术来客观评价针灸治疗脊髓损伤疗效的可行性.方法;使用电针同时刺激3例脊髓损伤患者和5名健康志愿者的右手合谷穴和曲池穴,采用组块设计方法,使用SPM2软件得到患者和健康志愿者脊髓内真实的激活区,分析激活区在矢状位和横断位上的分布特征,并与健康志愿者的激活分布对比,找出患者的激活分布差异.结果与结论:5名健康志愿者在脊柱C2、C5段均重复出现激活信号,在C6段4名出现激活;3例脊髓损伤患者在脊柱C2,C6段均出现均重复出现激活,其中1例患者与健康志愿者激活分布特征基本一致.可以观察到针灸刺激脊髓损伤患者的脊髓功能激活,因此可以根据功能激活区的分布及强度,在一定程度上客观评价针灸治疗脊髓损伤的疗效.     

Comparison of soleus H-reflex modulation after incomplete spinal cord injury in 2 walking environments: treadmill with body weight support and overground

Phadke CP, Wu SS, Thompson FJ, Behrman AL. Comparison of soleus H-reflex modulation after incomplete spinal cord injury in 2 walking environments: treadmill with body weight support and overground.

Objective

To investigate a walking environment effect on soleus H-reflex modulation during walking in persons with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) and noninjured controls.

Design

Pretest and posttest repeated-measures quasi-experimental controlled design.

Setting

Locomotor training laboratory.

Participants

Eight adults with incomplete SCI and 8 noninjured age- and speed-matched controls.

Intervention

Walking overground with a customary assistive device and brace at a self-selected, comfortable walking speed was compared with walking on treadmill with 40% body weight support (BWS) and manual trainers for leg and trunk movement guidance.

Main Outcome Measure

Mean soleus H-reflex amplitude (H/M ratio) was recorded during midstance and midswing phases of walking.

Results

The H/M ratio was 33% smaller in stance phase (P=.078) and 56% smaller in the swing phase (P=.008) of walking on the treadmill with BWS and manual assistance compared with overground in the incomplete SCI group. The H/M ratio in the incomplete SCI group was significantly greater compared with noninjured controls in the stance and swing phases of overground walking (P=.001, P=.007, respectively). Soleus H-reflex modulation in the 2 walking environments did not differ significantly in the noninjured population.

Conclusions

Training walking on a treadmill with BWS and manual assistance to approximate the kinematics and spatiotemporal pattern of walking may be a more optimal environment to aid in normalizing reflex modulation after incomplete SCI when compared with conventional gait training overground.     

The use of functional electrical stimulation to assist gait in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury.

The use of FES (functional electrical stimulation) for gait reproduction in six patients with spinal cord injury is described. Following a detailed neuromuscular assessment the patients commenced a muscle conditioning programme using electrical stimulation applied via surface electrodes. Once patients were strong enough to stand, gait synthesis was initiated in the laboratory utilizing a programmable electrical stimulator. When a satisfactory gait pattern had been achieved, patients used their portable stimulator at home. All six patients became able to stand and walk using the FES system and completed the home phase of the programme. Three patients continue to use the system at home for exercise and walking; the other patients have discontinued using the system, preferring a wheelchair or their original orthoses. We conclude that FES-assisted walking is feasible in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury, even with severe motor loss. Further advances in technology are needed for the system to become applicable to a larger number of patients.     

减重步行训练对不完全脊髓损伤大鼠脚桥核可塑性影响的研究

目的:探索减重步行训练对不完全脊髓损伤大鼠脚桥核可塑性的影响。方法:将雌性SD大鼠24只分为减重步行训练组、未训练组和假手术组,每组8只,用美国NYU脊髓冲击损伤仪制作大鼠T10脊髓不完全损伤模型。采用PET-CT、免疫荧光染色及BBB评分观察减重步行训练对不完全脊髓损伤(iSCI)大鼠中脑运动区(MLR)脚桥核可塑性变化和后肢运动功能的改善。结果:减重步行训练组大鼠的后肢运动功能BBB评分在造模后4周、7周两个时间点的分值均较未训练组高(P0.05)。假手术组大鼠在造模后1周、4周、7周3个时间点的BBB评分值均明显高于训练组和未训练组(P0.01)。虽然训练组18F-氟脱氧葡萄糖(18F-FDG)的标准摄取值(SUV)的平均值较未训练组增高,而且假手术组的SUV值最高,但三组SUV值的差异不具有显著性意义(P0.05)。神经元特异性核抗原(NeuN)免疫荧光染色检测显示训练组、未训练组、假手术组三组间大鼠脚桥核的神经元数量差异无显著性意义(P0.05),而脚桥核2型囊泡谷氨酸转运体(VGLUT2)的积分光密度值(IOD)比较,假手术组IOD表达最高,训练组较未训练组明显增强(P0.01)。结论:减重步行训练能够明显提高iSCI大鼠后肢运动功能及其脚桥核中谷氨酸能信号传递,而且iSCI后大鼠中脑脚桥核的整体代谢及神经元数量无明显改变。因此认为脚桥核的谷氨酸表达增强是减重步行训练使iSCI大鼠后肢步行功能改善的原因之一。减重步行训练能使脚桥核发生神经递质表达层面的可塑性变化。     

Locomotor training progression and outcomes after incomplete spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The use of locomotor training with a body-weight-support system and treadmill (BWST) and manual assistance has increased in rehabilitation. The purpose of this case report is to describe the process for retraining walking in a person with an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) using the BWST and transferring skills from the BWST to overground assessment and community ambulation. CASE DESCRIPTION: Following discharge from rehabilitation, a man with an incomplete SCI at C5-6 and an American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale classification of D participated in 45 sessions of locomotor training. OUTCOMES: Walking speed and independence improved from 0.19 m/s as a home ambulator using a rolling walker and a right ankle-foot orthosis to 1.01 m/s as a full-time ambulator using a cane only for community mobility. Walking activity (mean+/-SD) per 24 hours increased from 1,054+/-543 steps to 3,924+/-1,629 steps. DISCUSSION: In a person with an incomplete SCI, walking ability improved after locomotor training that used a decision-making algorithm and progression across training environments.     

Muscle changes following cycling and/or electrical stimulation in pediatric spinal cord injury

Johnston TE, Modlesky CM, Betz RR, Lauer RT. Muscle changes following cycling and/or electrical stimulation in pediatric spinal cord injury.

Objective

To determine the effect of cycling, electrical stimulation, or both, on thigh muscle volume and stimulated muscle strength in children with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Children's hospital specializing in pediatric SCI.

Participants

Children (N=30; ages, 5–13y) with chronic SCI.

Interventions

Children were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 interventions: functional electrical stimulation cycling (FESC), passive cycling (PC), and noncycling, electrically stimulated exercise (ES). Each group exercised for 1 hour, 3 times per week for 6 months at home.

Main Outcome Measures

Preintervention and postintervention, children underwent magnetic resonance imaging to assess muscle volume, and electrically stimulated isometric muscle strength testing with the use of a computerized dynamometer. Data were analyzed via analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) with baseline measures as covariates. Within-group changes were assessed via paired t tests.

Results

All 30 children completed the training. Muscle volume data were complete for 24 children (8 FESC, 8 PC, 8 ES) and stimulated strength data for 27 children (9 per group). Per ANCOVA, there were differences between groups (P<.05) for quadriceps muscle volume and stimulated strength, with the ES group having greater changes in volume and the FESC group having greater changes in strength. Within-group analyses showed increased quadriceps volume and strength for the FESC group and increased quadriceps volume for the ES group.

Conclusions

Children receiving either electrically stimulated exercise experienced changes in muscle size, stimulated strength, or both. These changes may decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and type 2 diabetes.

Clinical Trials Registration Number

NCT00245726.     

Impact of a limited trial of walking training using body weight support and a treadmill on the gait characteristics of an individual with chronic,incomplete spinal cord injury

Studies showing improvement in locomotor ability for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) use training times that may be prohibitive for clinics. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a limited period of training on the gait characteristics of a man with chronic, incomplete SCI. The participant was a minimally ambulatory 59-year-old man almost 3 years post C₃ central cord injury with an ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) classification of C. The participant received 11 training sessions using body weight support and a treadmill (BWST) over a 6-week period. The Six Minute Walk Test (6?MWT), and gait characteristics measured with motion analysis were obtained pretraining and posttraining. The participant made improvements on all measured gait characteristics. The participant's walking speed and comfort level on the treadmill improved enough for him to use community resources. This participant was able to make improvements in his gait with a much shorter training time period than those reported in previous locomotor training studies. Although this man did not obtain community ambulation status, his decreased dependence on his power chair at home and his new ability to use an available treadmill allow for continued walking practice outside the clinic.     

减重步行训练对不完全脊髓损伤患者步行能力的影响

目的探讨减重步行训练对不完全脊髓损伤（ISCI）患者步行能力的影响。方法将42例ISCI患者随机分为减重步行训练（BWSTT）组（n=22）和对照组（n=20）。两组患者均接受常规截瘫康复治疗。BWSTT组在常规康复治疗基础上,每日行减重步行训练1次,共计治疗1个月。分别于治疗前及治疗1个月后,采用步长、步速、功能性步行分级对患者的步行能力进行评定。结果治疗前,BWSTT组和对照组患者的步长、步速和功能性步行分级差异无显著性（P〉0．05）。治疗1个月后,两组患者的步长、步速和功能性步行分级与治疗前相比较,差异具有显著性（P〈0．05）;且BWSTT组患者的步长、步速和功能性步行分级与对照组相比较,差异具有显著性（P〈0.05）。结论在常规康复治疗基础上应用减重步行训练,能更大程度提高不完全脊髓损伤患者的步行能力。     

减重步行训练结合针刺治疗对脊髓损伤大鼠运动功能及Cdh1 mRNA表达的影响

摘要 目的：探讨减重步行训练结合针刺治疗对脊髓损伤（SCI）大鼠运动功能及Cdh1 mRNA表达的影响。 方法：将150只雄性SD大鼠随机分为针刺组（A）、步行训练组(B)、针步组（C）、对照组（D）,每组30只,及假手术组（E）、空白组（F）,每组15只。A、B、C、D组采用切割型脊髓损伤模型法制备SCI模型;E组仅暴露脊髓。并于术后3d开始A、B、C组相应治疗,D、E不予治疗,F组不做任何处理。术后3、5、7、14、21d对大鼠后肢运动功能进行BBB评分;及提取脊髓损伤节段组织总RNA,用实时荧光定量测定PCR检测损伤区Cdh1 mRNA的表达。 结果：21d后治疗组BBB评分明显高于D组,其中C组最高,B组次之,A组最少,各组差异有显著性（P<0.01）;Cdh1 mRNA的表达C组最高,与其他各组有显著差异（P<0.01）;A、B组与D组相比差异有显著性（P<0.01）,A、B组差异无显著性（P>0.05）。 结论：减重步行训练或针刺治疗都对SCI大鼠运动功能及损伤部Cdh1 mRNA的表达具有良性作用,二者结合疗效更为显著。     

An electric stimulation cycling protocol for gait in incomplete spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and impact of an outpatient, electric stimulation cycling (ESC) protocol on a patient with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Pre-post case study. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANT: A 24-year old man with an incomplete SCI occurring 25 months before study entry at the T12-L1 level. INTERVENTION: A 2-phase, 10-week ESC intervention occurring 3 days a week. Phase 1 provided 30-minute ESC sessions at increasing resistance with electric stimulation applied to the quadriceps and hamstrings; phase 2 required cycling independently (ie, without stimulation) at maximal effort for increasing lengths of time. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gait velocity, stride length, and step length, all collected during a 10-meter walking test, and the Walking Index of Spinal Cord Injury-II (WISCI-II). RESULTS: During phase 1, the patient quickly increased workload, session duration, and distance; during phase 2, duration that the subject was able to cycle without stimulation increased markedly. After the entire intervention, the subject exhibited diminished edema, new ability to voluntarily step, new ability to voluntarily dorsiflex the ankle and voluntarily flex the toe, and new ability to perform valued activities, such as transfers. He also exhibited increased mean gait velocity (.33 m/s), left (.11 m) and right (.07 m) stride length, left (.06 m) and right (.05 m) step length, and a 10-point WISCI-II increase. The subject was also able to discontinue use of several medications after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: SCI patients' endurance and gait deficits can possibly be effectively addressed on an outpatient basis and with minimal assistance by using this regimen.     

盆底肌肉电刺激治疗脊髓损伤患者尿失禁的疗效观察

目的观察盆底肌肉电刺激对脊髓损伤后尿失禁患者的治疗效果。方法本研究共选取7例不完全性脊髓损伤尿失禁患者，其中男5例，女2例；平均年龄32．5岁；脊髓损伤时间平均为7．5个月。治疗时将盆底肌肉电刺激器插入患者直肠(男性)或阴道(女性)内进行电刺激，电刺激强度以患者最大耐受能力为度，每次治疗30～45min，每天治疗1次，每周治疗5d，连续治疗2～3个月；并于治疗过程中观察患者拔尿管成功率及尿管拔除后的排尿次数和尿量等。结果治疗前，本组患者全部留置导尿管，经2～3周治疗后，均可成功拔除导尿管，经8周治疗后，有5例患者每日自排尿次数大于自流尿次数，但其总尿量无明显改变。结论电刺激盆底肌对脊髓损伤后患者的膀胱调控功能具有良好的改善作用，值得临床推广、应用。     

重复经颅磁刺激对不完全性脊髓损伤患者痉挛的影响

目的:观察高频重复经颅磁刺激(rTMS)对不完全性脊髓损伤(SCI)患者双下肢痉挛的影响。方法:对18例不完全性SCI患者作为SCI组,另取7例健康正常人作为正常组。给予SCI组进行rTMS治疗,采用"8"字形线圈rTMS刺激不完全性SCI患者(M1区),刺激强度为90%的RMT,刺激频率10Hz,共4周。观察其对患者下肢改良Ashworth痉挛评分(MAS)的影响,同时观察rTMS刺激治疗前后患者下肢F波的出现率、潜伏时(F-lat)、H反射潜伏时(H-lat)、H反射以及M波最大波幅比值(Hmax/Mmax值)等电生理指标的变化,同时与正常组做比较。结果:治疗后,SCI组下肢MAS分级较治疗前明显改善(P0.05);SCI组治疗前F波和H反射潜伏时较正常组明显延长(P0.05),Hmax/Mmax值较正常组增高(P0.05);治疗后F波的平均潜伏时较治疗前减少(P0.05),H反射潜伏时无显著差异,Hmax/Mmax值降低(P0.05);SCI组F波出现率在治疗前后无差异性变化,Hmax/Mmax值和MAS之间无明显相关性。结论:rTMS治疗前后SCI患者的电生理和MAS指标变化,提示高频rTMS对治疗不完全性脊髓损伤患者下肢痉挛有一定的缓解作用,值得进一步的研究。