Effects of Phase Shifts of Transcutaneous\nElectrical Spinal Cord Stimulation on the Kinematic Characteristics\nof Stepping Movements in Humans

Abstract

Abstract Transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (SсТS) was carried out in different phases of the stepping cycle in order to control the kinematic parameters of the step in healthy subjects walking on a treadmill. ScTS during the swing phase at the T11–T12 level activated the flexor motor pools and caused a change in the motion amplitude in the hip, knee and ankle joints, as well as increased the height of leg elevation. ScTS at the stance phase at the L1–L2 level, addressed to the extensor motor pools, did not affect the kinematics of stepping movements. A shift in the start of T11–T12 stimulation to 100–150 ms before the initiation of the swing phase or its prolongation by 100 ms after the end of the swing phase caused significant changes in the kinematics of stepping movements. Essential for the start of stimulation is the moment of pushing the leg off the support a little earlier than beginning of the swing phase . Prolongation of the stimulation period in the swing phase allows to increase ankle join flexion The choice of the optimal algorithm of phase-dependent ScTS for the activation of flexor and extensor motor pools during the stepping cycle increases the efficiency of stimulation in motor function rehabilitation techniques.