Feasibility of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Combined with Robotic-Assisted Gait Training (Lokomat) for Gait Rehabilitation of an Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Subject

The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility and safety of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), applied over T11–T12 vertebral level combined with robotic-assisted gait training in a volunteer with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). We performed 20 sessions, with 30 min in Lokomat, which first 20 min tSCS was applied. The outcomes measured were the lower extremity motor score (LEMS), modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the lower limbs strength by a hand dynamometer, functional outcomes using 10 m walk test (10MWT), timed up and go test (TUG), Walking index of spinal cord injury (WISCI-II), the spinal cord independence measure (SCIM-III) and pain perceived during treatment. The assessment was done at baseline, after and follow-up at 4 weeks post-treatment. The preliminary results support that the tSCS combined with Lokomat seems to be a safety therapy and there was not a relationship between the level of stimulation intensity and pain perceived.