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0This feasibility trial explores the use of cervical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a neuroprosthetic intervention to restore upper limb motor function in individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. Researchers found that delivering electrical stimulation to the cervical spinal cord provided immediate assistive effects, significantly improving strength, dexterity, and range of motion without requiring high-dose rehabilitation. Over a four-week period, participants also showed therapeutic improvements in muscle synergies and a reduction in spasticity, even when the stimulation was turned off. The study highlights that selective activation of specific spinal segments is crucial for enhancing movement in targeted muscle groups. While all subjects benefited, preliminary data suggests that preserved sensory function may be a key factor in how well a patient responds to the treatment. These findings suggest that implantable SCS devices could offer a viable long-term solution for managing the debilitating effects of stroke-induced paralysis.
References:
de Freitas R M, Bhatia S, Sorensen E, et al. Spinal cord stimulation for upper limb motor function in people with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis: a feasibility trial[J]. Nature Medicine, 2026: 1-12.
