tSCS + UL Robotics Training in SCI Patients

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This study is aimed to evaluate whether transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) can augment upper limb robotic training (ULRT) to improve functional mobility in participants with chronic paraplegia. It also evaluate the impact of the tSCS+ULRT on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), compared to ULRT alone. This is a prospective single-arm crossover study in participants with incomplete chronic traumatic spinal cord injury. 6 subjects with C2-8 level injuries will be recruited. Once subject is identified to be eligible for the study and is agreeable to participate into the study, he/she will undergo Phase 1 of training which consists of 16 sessions of upper limb robotic training (ULRT) + conventional occupational therapy in 8-10 weeks. After a 1-week washout period, subject will undergo Phase 2 of training which consists of 16 sessions of ULRT training + tSCS + conventional occupational therapy in 8-10 weeks. This study will use the locally developed H-Man arm rehabilitation robot and Esoglove™ PRO hand rehabilitation system for ULRT. The H-Man robot, a table-top, portable, 2D planar, end-effector with virtual reality feedback is designed to deliver self-paced, repetitive reaching arm movements. The soft robotic glove EsoGlove enables patients to carry out upper-limb rehabilitation with multiple training modes, such as passive training, active-assisted range of motion training, and bilateral training. Participants could choose either H-man or Esoglove, or use both alternatively for ULRT training, according to their functional impairment. ULRT will be paired with functional training during the intervention sessions. During tSCS, two surface electrodes will be positioned in between the vertebral processes located generally one vertebral segment rostral and one vertebral segment caudal to the site of injury. Reference/Ground electrodes placed over the ASIS. It will be on biphasic mode with an overlap frequency of 10kHz, Burst Frequency of 30Hz, Pulse width of 1ms. Stimulation intensity ranges from 5-100 mA and will be adjusted according to the patient's response. The tSCS stimulation duration for each session will be 45 minutes in conjunction with the RGT training Outcome measures including mobility function assessment and neuromuscular assessment will be collected at Baseline (within 1 week before the starting of Phase 1 of training), Post-Phase 1 (within 1 week after Phase 1 of training), Post-Phase 2 (within 1 week after Phase 2 of training), and 4 weeks Post Phase 2 A satisfaction survey on the intervention "ULRT training + tSCS + conventional physiotherapy" will be performed at week-18 assessment.