Effects of Transcutaneous Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation on Upper Limb Motor Function After Traumatic Brain Injury
The goal of this study is to test the effects of non-invasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord (called transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation, or tSCS) on arm and hand movement in people with motor impairments after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Specifically, tSCS will be delivered using adhesive electrode pads placed on the skin over the upper back. The research team will measure how tSCS affects strength, movement control and muscle spasticity using different tests. Results of this study will help develop future treatments using an implanted (invasive) form of spinal cord stimulation to improve arm and hand function, helping people with TBI become more independent and improve their quality of life.
⁃ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) SUBJECTS:
• Participants must have a suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting in impairments in arm and hand motor function at least one year prior to enrollment.
• Participants must be between the ages of 21 and 70 years old.
⁃ HEALTHY CONTROL SUBJECTS:
• Participants must have full range of motion in their upper limbs;
• Participants must be between the ages of 21 and 70 years old.