Control of Unsupported Paraplegic Standing

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The study will investigate the feasibility of using functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the calf muscles of paraplegic subjects to assist in posture stabilisation during standing. We aim to achieve postural stability by combining controlled FES of the lower-limb muscles with the voluntary motor control skills of the intact upper body.

Detailed Description
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Aim: The study will investigate the feasibility of using functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the calf muscles of paraplegic subjects to assist in posture stabilisation during standing. We aim to achieve postural stability by combining controlled FES of the lower-limb muscles with the voluntary motor control skills of the intact upper body. Background: In spinal cord injury (SCI), the paralysed muscles generally retain their ability to contract and electrical stimulation can be used in rehabilitation as a therapy. With functional electrical stimulation (FES) the aim is to restore some normal motor functions such as standing, stepping or cycling. A number of studies have investigated the physiological effects and potential therapeutic benefits of lower-limb FES exercise. These studies have shown that the benefits include restoration of muscle bulk and strength, a reduction in the rate of bone demineralisation, improvements in the range of joint motion, and relaxation of spasm. Standing is an important part of rehabilitation therapy for paraplegic patients, and helps to alleviate some of the secondary effects of paralysis.

Official Title
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Integrated Voluntary Control of Unsupported Paraplegic Standing

Conditions
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Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Multi-purpose rehabilitation frame
* Device: Surface Functional Electrical Stimulation


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Neurologically intact, healthy individuals individuals with complete spinal cord lesion between T6 and T12 Exclusion Criteria: Incomplete SCI

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 16 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Device: Multi-purpose rehabilitation frame|nan|
|Device: Surface Functional Electrical Stimulation|nan|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| estimates of physical parameters (ie. stiffness, viscosity, inertia) |  |  | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| quality of standing |  |  | 
| amount of sway |  |  | 
| timing of standing |  |  | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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spinal cord injury, standing, balance, functional electrical stimulation