Implanted electrical stimulation of the trunk for seated postural stability and function after cervical spinal cord injury: a single case study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore and quantify the physical and functional effects of stabilizing the torso with electrical stimulation of the paralyzed hip and trunk musculature after motor complete tetraplegia.


METHODS
Single-subject case study with repeated measures and concurrent controls.


METHODS
Academic outpatient rehabilitation center.


METHODS
Forty-four-year-old man with C4 American Spinal Injury Association grade A tetraplegia 20 years postspinal cord injury.


METHODS
A surgically implanted multichannel pulse generator and intramuscular stimulating electrodes to activate lumbar erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and gluteus maximus muscles bilaterally.


METHODS
Outcomes assessed with and without stimulation included (1) spinal alignment and pelvic orientation, (2) pulmonary function and ventilatory volumes, (3) forward bimanual reaching distance, (4) seated stability and resistance to externally applied disturbances, (5) maximal force and speed of rowing-like movements, and the ability to (6) independently return to an erect seated position from full forward or lateral flexion and (7) roll in bed without assistance.


RESULTS
Stimulation improved spinal convexity and kyphosis by 26 degrees and 21 degrees , reduced posterior pelvic tilt by 11 degrees , increased forced expiratory volume and vital capacity by 10% and 22%, and improved forward reach by more than 7cm. Average resistance to sagittal disturbances increased by more than 40% (P<.002), and mean force exerted during underhanded pulling more than doubled (P=.014) with stimulation. Restoration of upright sitting in both sagittal and coronal planes and bed turning was made possible through appropriately timed activation of the hip and trunk muscles.


CONCLUSIONS
A neuroprosthesis for controlling the paralyzed torso can positively impact spinal alignment, seated posture, pulmonary function, trunk stability, and reach. Stimulation of hip and trunk muscles can improve performance of activities of daily living as well as enable independent wheelchair and bed mobility.
Triolo
Ronald J
RJ
Department of Orthopaedics and Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. ronald.triolo@case.edu
Boggs
Lisa
L
Miller
Michael E
ME
Nemunaitis
Gregory
G
Nagy
Jennifer
J
Bailey
Stephanie Nogan
SN
D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D011187:Posture; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*