Autonomic Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Spinal Cord Injury

Details

The purpose of the first part of this research study is to determine the effects of active transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) targeted for blood pressure (BP) control on exercise endurance time and heart rate (HR) recovery time during an arm cycle test. The results will help guide experimental studies aimed at improving exercise, rehabilitation, health, and longevity in the SCI population. If you choose to participate in part one of this study, you will be asked to visit the laboratory for 2 visits that take about 3-4 hours each. The purpose of part two of this study is to compare the effects of electricity being delivered through surface electrodes (sticky pads on your skin), called active transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS), compared to sham TSCS (sticky pads with electricity initially turned on but then turned off) on your ability to 1) keep your body temperature stable and 2) feel comfortable, while in a cool environment (cool room at 64° F) for 90 minutes. We will assess your thermal sensation by asking you if overall you feel cold, cool, neutral, warm, or hot and your comfort level by asking you to grade your thermal comfort (how comfortable or how uncomfortable you feel) when you are seated in a thermoneutral room (80° F) and again in the cool room with active TSCS compared to the cool room with sham TSCS. The results will help guide experimental studies aimed at improving health and longevity in the population with SCI. If you choose to participate in this study, there will be 2 study visits that last about 3-4 hours each.