Afferent Stimulation for The Reduction of Spasticity in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
Author(s)
Sandler, Evan
Advisor(s)
Nichols, Richard
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Abstract
Afferent stimulation represents a neuromodulatory therapeutic intervention that avoids the negative side effects associated with pharmaceuticals. Recent studies suggest that transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) may hold therapeutic promise for reducing spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Despite evidence that this non-invasive stimulation targets the most likely mechanisms underlying spasticity, the optimal stimulation parameters required to produce antispasmodic effects are unknown. Moreover, systematic comparison and dose-response studies are fundamental in identifying efficacy of promising interventions. This dissertation will outline the results of my research to provide insight into foundational elements of this emerging therapeutic intervention for individuals with SCI in three parts. First, I will compare the efficacy of mechanical and electrical stimulation interventions on reducing spasticity of the quadriceps. Second, I will present the effects of three different spinal stimulation conditions on biomechanical measures of spasticity at the knee and ankle relative to clinical application. And third, I will present the effects of spinal stimulation on electrophysiologic measures of spasticity to elucidate the relationship between biomechanical and electrophysiologic measures.
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Date
2024-12-03
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Text
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Dissertation