Robot-driven spinal epidural stimulation compared with conventional stimulation in adult spinalized rats

Abstract

Epidural stimulation to trigger locomotion is a promising treatment after spinal cord injury (SCI). Continuous stimulation during locomotion is the conventional method. To improve recovery, we tested an innovative robot-driven epidural stimulation method, combined with a trunk-based neurorobotic system. The system was tested in rat, and the results were compared with the results of the neurorobotic therapy combined with the conventional epidural stimulation method. The rats had better recovery after treatment with the robot-driven epidural stimulation than conventional stimulation in our neurorobotic rehabilitation system.