Optimizing Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Exploratory Study on the Role of Electrode Montages and Stimulation Intensity on Reflex Pathway Modulation.

Publication/Presentation Date

4-12-2025

Abstract

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a promising non-invasive method to improve motor function in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) by enhancing spinal reflex pathways. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different tSCS electrode placement montages and targeted spinal levels on neurophysiological responses such as spinally evoked motor responses (sEMRs), dorsal root reflex activation, and muscle recruitment in individuals with SCI and healthy controls to optimize stimulation strategies for motor recovery. Five participants (three individuals with SCI and two controls) underwent transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation using various electrode montages, target spinal level stimulation, and single- and paired-pulse paradigms. Electromyographic responses were analyzed to determine sEMR threshold, amplitudes, and paired-pulse attenuation. Different spinal levels and spatial configurations of electrode placements influenced the sEMR threshold and incidence of sEMR across all participants. Paired-pulse analysis showed more pronounced second-pulse attenuation in SCI participants (48 ± 36%) than in controls (12 ± 20%,

Volume

12

Issue

4

ISSN

2306-5354

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

40281770

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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