Multi-site transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord for facilitation of locomotion
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsYury P. Gerasimenko, Victor Reggie Edgerton, Roland R. Roy, Daniel C. Lu
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Abstract
In various embodiments, systems and methods for stimulation of the spinal cord to improve and restore upper extremity motor function in a subject having paralysis due to a spinal cord injury are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve administration of transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to the subject at a frequency and intensity that induces improved control of movement of the upper limbs of the subject.
Claims26
A system for stimulation of the spinal cord to improve and restore upper extremity motor function in a subject having paralysis due to a spinal cord injury, the system comprising:
- a multichannel stimulation generator;
- an electrode array connectable to the stimulation generator and comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to be applied to the skin of the subject over a predetermined spinal section of the subject's spinal cord;
- wherein the stimulation generator comprises control circuitry configured to administer to the subject a transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) through one or more electrodes of the electrode array at a frequency and intensity to activate spinal locomotor networks that facilitates the recovery or improved voluntary movement of the arms without directly activating muscle cells;
- wherein the transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation enables or induces improved control of movement of the upper limbs of the subject.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.