Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation for Noninvasive Locomotor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for activating spinal networks in individuals with spinal cord injuries, such as epidural electrical stimulation, are invasive and limited in their ability to induce voluntary movements, while noninvasive methods like leg muscle vibration and electromagnetic stimulation have limited efficacy and specificity, particularly in involving all joints and sustaining stimulation effects.
Innovation Solution
Transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tESCS) applied at frequencies of 5-40 Hz in the T11-T12 vertebrae region, which activates spinal locomotor networks through the dorsal roots and gray matter, enabling voluntary movements, autonomic control, and facilitating recovery of functions like standing, stepping, and breathing without direct muscle activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If epidural electrical stimulation is used to activate spinal networks, then voluntary movements can be induced, but the method is invasive and requires surgical implantation of electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transcutaneous electrical stimulation as an intermediary method to activate spinal networks without direct intraspinal electrode implantation. Surface electrodes placed on the skin over the spinal cord serve as a mediator to deliver electrical signals that can still effectively activate spinal locomotor circuits, thereby achieving the therapeutic goal while avoiding the invasive surgical procedure required for epidural stimulation
2Ease of operation
If noninvasive leg muscle vibration is used to activate spinal networks, then some locomotor movements can be elicited, but the method has limited efficacy and cannot involve all joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical vibration of leg muscles with transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. This substitution allows direct activation of spinal locomotor networks through electrical signals delivered via surface electrodes, thereby achieving more reliable and comprehensive activation of spinal circuits including all joints (hip, knee, and ankle) while maintaining a noninvasive approach
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic stimulation is used to activate spinal networks, then step-like movements can be evoked, but the stimulation effects are short-lasting and cannot be sustained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electrical stimulation delivered through surface electrodes to activate spinal networks. By using rhythmic, repetitive electrical pulses at appropriate frequencies, the method achieves sustained activation of spinal locomotor circuits, enabling prolonged generation of step-like movements and voluntary motor patterns that can be maintained throughout the stimulation period, thereby resolving the limitation of short-lasting effects
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
tESCS effectively induces involuntary step-like movements involving hip, knee, and ankle joints, with increasing amplitude at higher frequencies, and can be used to rehabilitate spinal pathology by modulating spinal circuitry to enable voluntary movement and autonomic control, even in individuals with complete paralysis.
Implementation Method 1
Transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tESCS) applied at frequencies of 5-40 Hz in the T11-T12 vertebrae region, which activates spinal locomotor networks through the dorsal roots and gray matter
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides non-invasive methods to induce motor control in a mammal subject to spinal cord or other neurological injuries. In certain embodiments the method involves administering transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to the mammal at a frequency and intensity that induces the desired locomotor activity.