Standing, Stepping and Voluntary Movement Spinal Cord Epidural Stimulation

Task-specific Epidural Stimulation and Training for Recovery of Stepping, Standing and Voluntary Movement Following Severe Spinal Cord Injury

This study will determine the level of functional gain, below the injury for voluntary control of movements, and recovery standing and stepping function as a result of activation of spinal circuits with scES in humans with severe paralysis. Training will consist of practicing stepping, standing and voluntary movements in the presence of specific scES configurations designed specific for stepping (Step-scES), specific for standing (Stand-scES) and for the voluntary movements of the legs and trunk (Vol-scES). Ability to step, stand, move voluntarily, as well as cardiovascular, respiratory, bladder, bowel and sexual function will be assessed in these individuals with chronic severe spinal cord injury.

Inclusion Criteria:

• non-progressive SCI
• at least 2 years post injury
• stable medical condition
• inability to walk independently overground
• unable to voluntarily move all individual joints of the legs

Exclusion Criteria:

• ventilator dependent
• untreated painful musculoskeletal dysfunction, fracture or pressure sore
• untreated psychiatric disorder or ongoing drug abuse
• cardiovascular, respiratory, bladder, or renal disease unrelated to SCI
• pregnant at the time of enrollment or planning to become pregnant during the time course of the study