Robot-driven Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation Compared with Conventional Stimulation in Adult Spinalized Rats.

摘要

Epidural stimulation to trigger locomotion is a promising treatment after spinal cord injury (SCI). Continuous stimulation during locomotion is the conventional method. To improve recovery, we designed and tested an innovative robot-driven epidural stimulation method, coupled with a trunk-based neurorobotic system. The system was tested in rats, and the results were compared with the results of the neurorobotic therapy combined with the conventional epidural stimulation method, and with robotic rehabilitation alone. The rats had better recovery after treatment with the robot-driven epidural stimulation than conventional stimulation or controls in our neurorobotic rehabilitation system.