Breakthrough Electrical Stimulation Device Offers New Hope for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery
May 21, 2024![Breakthrough Electrical Stimulation Device Offers New Hope for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery](https://cdn.brief.news/images/stories/a0fdf5cbe21ce55042843443f2e4b1a684082e48d1b34acca1704e674a5046bf3cb572056b0aba1218cdcc65e990ddb3748a06f89feff7f1c78cc3e271f38f80.png)
A recent study highlights the benefits of electrical stimulation exercises for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
Focus areas include neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) resistance training and functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling.
Combining FES leg cycling with voluntary arm crank exercise (ACE) or resistance training significantly improves cardiovascular health, muscle mass, and strength.
Onward Medical's new noninvasive ARCex device shows promise in helping individuals with SCIs regain hand and arm function.
Reid regained control of her left hand using the ARCex device.
ARC Therapy, developed by Grégoire Courtine and his team, uses electrical stimulation via electrode pads on the skin.
Over two-thirds of participants in ARC Therapy showed improved hand and arm function.
The therapy boosts nerve excitability and encourages nerve regrowth and new connections in the spinal cord.
Sherown Campbell, tetraplegic since 2014, saw significant improvements in movement, strength, and sensation in his hands and arms using electrical stimulation with rehabilitation.
Most patients experience similar positive results within two months.
The Up-Lift trial with 65 tetraplegic patients in 14 countries demonstrated significant improvements in strength, function, and quality of life.
Patients like Campbell experienced life-changing gains in hand function and daily activities through the treatment.
The ARCex stimulator enhances strength and mobility in people with paraplegia when used on the neck area.
Researchers believe non-invasive spinal cord stimulation, such as ARCex and ARC Therapy, offers hope for recovery and potential improvements in functions like walking for individuals with SCIs.
Summary based on 7 sources
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![Device aids recovery of people with spinal injuries, trial finds](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/a0fdf5cbe21ce55042843443f2e4b1a684082e48d1b34acca1704e674a5046bf3cb572056b0aba1218cdcc65e990ddb3748a06f89feff7f1c78cc3e271f38f80.png)
The Guardian • May 20, 2024
Device aids recovery of people with spinal injuries, trial finds![Zapping spinal cord injuries helps restore hand strength and movement](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/433dc01d20f0e206f612198a2cee7ceec0338e68db5e715b93efb65be6ae2b63fcf0bc58cabd29268fa0ee2932984748ddf627cfee78bbc13c25c10f2bad33b0.png)
New Scientist • May 20, 2024
Zapping spinal cord injuries helps restore hand strength and movement![A device that zaps the spinal cord gave paralyzed people better control of their hands](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/b269533d0834a0546c543848b62c4c747052e9b08ae3f2d641a69db02da0dce9a2b6354e73ccdfcbb7f5716ec291932018d0b663e0a7a050743025bdb605d25d.png)
MIT Technology Review • May 20, 2024
A device that zaps the spinal cord gave paralyzed people better control of their hands