H. Stöhr

Receptor Test (Pupillary Dilatation after Application of 0.01% Tropicamide Solution) and Determination of Central Nervous Activation (Fourier Analysis of Pupillary Oscillations) in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Memory loss and severe cognitive deficits in Alzheimer patients are supposed to be related to a reduction of acetylcholine as well as to central nervous deactivation. For the investigation of cholinergic deficits and deactivation, we used computer-assisted pupillometry. Cholinergic deficits caused by a particularly severe loss of cholinergic neurons may be responsible for cognitive and mnemonic performance deficits. The control of the pupillary diameter represents a balance between cholinergic and adrenergic innervation and is influenced directly or indirectly by central and autonomic nervous system inputs. Either of these systems could be affected in Alzheimer patients. A reduced innervation of the target muscle through neuronal cell death, axon retraction, reduced release, increased reuptake of altered amounts or function of neurotransmitter receptors seems to affect the pupillary response to cholinergic antagonists in Alzheimer patients. There is, however, no relationship between pupillary diameter and central deactivation, but between central nervous activation and pupillary oscillations which reflect the physiological corticodiencephalic activity, a relationship has to be assumed. Frequencies and amplitudes of pupillary oscillations measured by means of Fourier analysis are modulated corticodiencephalically. Therefore, Alzheimer patients were compared to healthy controls with respect to their pupillary diameters and responses to an acetylcholine antagonist. Twenty-nine patients, aged between 55 and 85 years, suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 29 normal controls of similar age (56–85 years) participated in the study. The cholinergic receptors of the pupil were blocked by the acetylcholine antagonist tropicamide. It could be assumed that the larger the pupillary dilatation, the larger the extent of cognitive deficits. Alzheimer patients show abnormal acetylcholine neurotransmission. Changes of pupillary diameter after instillation of 1 drop of 0.01% tropicamide solution were measured and Fourier analysis of pupillary oscillations was performed. Times of measurement were: 0 (baseline), 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 min. After 4 min tropicamide was instilled. Forty min after the instillation of tropicamide into the left eye, the Alzheimer patients showed a pronounced dilatation of 41.57%. The dilatation in normal controls was 28.5%. Fourier analysis of pupillary oscillations (sum of frequency bands = power) demonstrated a marked deactivation (low amplitudes in low-frequency bands, but in contrast to our expectations no higher amplitudes in the higher frequency bands) in patients with AD which remained constant at all times of measurement. By means of discriminant analysis of pupillary diameter and pupillary oscillations (frequency band 0.00–1 Hz), 89.7% were correctly predicted to be Alzheimer patients, 89% to be normal controls.

Determination of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Amisulpride by Pharmaco-EEG and Psychometry

The quantitative pharmaco-EEG has been proven to be a valuable method to classify psychotropic drugs as well as to determine the time- and dose-efficacy relations at the target organ - the human brain (Fink, 1969; Saletu, 1976; Saletu, 1982). Investigating typical and atypical antidepressants, we found that at least 2 types of pharmaco-EEG profiles may be differentiated: 1) a thymeretic, desipramine-like profile suggesting activating properties; and 2) a thymaleptic imipramine - and amitriptyline-like profile showing also sedative qualities (Saletu, 1982). In recent years we have also seen that psychometric techniques mediate additional objective and quantitative information about the pharmacodynamics of psychotropic drugs at still another level — the behavioral one (Grunberger and Saletu, 1980).

Spielt die Haftdauer von Untergebrachten gemäß § 21/2 StGB eine Rolle in Bezug auf die Entstehung eines funktionellen Psychosyndroms? – Eine Untersuchung mittels der Methode der Pupillometrie

BACKGROUND Pupillometry is a non-invasive investigation based on the concept that pupillary reagibility depends on a number of specific sensory, mental and emotional variables. By means of the receptor test based on the topical application of the cholinergic antagonist tropicamide cognitive deficits can be evaluated. The present study focuses on the question whether the receptor test is able to differentiate criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB) with different durations of confinement concerning the presence of a functional psychosyndrome, as defined by Grünberger. METHODS Four groups of offenders with different durations of confinement (group A: confinement 0-2 years, n = 26, X = 33; group B: 2-5 years, n = 29, X = 34; group C: 5-10 years, n = 6, X = 36; group D: >10 years, n = 10, X = 43) were investigated by means of a computer-assisted TV pupillometer. After a baseline measurement 0.01% tropicamide was instilled into the eye. The second measurement was conducted 20 min after the first, the 3rd and 4th measurements in intervals of 20 min. RESULTS The groups with a longer duration of confinement showed a reduced activation and vigilance and increased fatigability as compared with the groups of shorter confinement. In the receptor test the group that had been imprisoned for 0-2 years showed more cognitive deficits than those imprisoned for ≥5 years. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of activation, fatigability and vigilance indicates that the duration of confinement plays a role in the development of a functional psychosyndrome. The results of the receptor test, in which the group with a longer duration of confinement showed less pronounced cognitive deficits and no significant changes of the tropicamide effect over time, suggest that in this group a dose change might be required to make the cognitive deficits evident.SummaryBACKGROUND: Pupillometry is a non-invasive investigation based on the concept that pupillary reagibility depends on a number of specific sensory, mental and emotional variables. By means of the receptor test based on the topical application of the cholinergic antagonist tropicamide cognitive deficits can be evaluated. The present study focuses on the question whether the receptor test is able to differentiate criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB) with different durations of confinement concerning the presence of a functional psychosyndrome, as defined by Grünberger. METHODS: Four groups of offenders with different durations of confinement (group A: confinement 0–2 years, n = 26, X = 33; group B: 2–5 years, n = 29, X = 34; group C: 5–10 years, n = 6, X = 36; group D: >10 years, n = 10, X = 43) were investigated by means of a computer-assisted TV pupillometer. After a baseline measurement 0.01% tropicamide was instilled into the eye. The second measurement was conducted 20 min after the first, the 3rd and 4th measurements in intervals of 20 min. RESULTS: The groups with a longer duration of confinement showed a reduced activation and vigilance and increased fatigability as compared with the groups of shorter confinement. In the receptor test the group that had been imprisoned for 0–2 years showed more cognitive deficits than those imprisoned for ≥5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of activation, fatigability and vigilance indicates that the duration of confinement plays a role in the development of a functional psychosyndrome. The results of the receptor test, in which the group with a longer duration of confinement showed less pronounced cognitive deficits and no significant changes of the tropicamide effect over time, suggest that in this group a dose change might be required to make the cognitive deficits evident.ZusammenfassungGRUNDLAGEN: Die Pupillometrie ist eine nicht-invasive Untersuchungstechnik basierend auf der Annahme, dass sensorische, mentale und emotionale Variable die Reagibilität der Pupille beeinflussen. Mittels des Rezeptortests können durch Einträufeln des cholinergen Antagonisten Tropicamid kognitive Defizite erfasst werden. Diese Untersuchung beschäftigt sich mit der Fragestellung, ob gem. § 21/2 StGB Untergebrachte mit unterschiedlicher Haftdauer mittels des Rezeptortests hinsichtlich des Vorliegens eines funktionellen Psychosyndroms, definiert von Grünberger, unterschieden werden können. METHODIK: Vier Gruppen von Untergebrachten unterschiedlicher Haftdauer (Gruppe A: 0–2 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 26, X = 33 a; Gruppe B: 2–5 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 29, X = 34 a; Gruppe C: 5–10 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 6, X = 36 a; Gruppe D: > 10 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 10, X = 43 a) wurden mittels eines computerunterstützten TV-Pupillometers untersucht. Nach einer Baseline-Messung wurde 0,01% Tropicamid eingeträufelt. Die zweite Messung erfolgte 20 min nach der ersten, die dritte und vierte Messung jeweils in 20-minütigem Abstand. ERGEBNISSE: Die länger inhaftierten Gruppen zeigten eine geringere Aktiviertheit, höhere Ermüdbarkeit und geringere Vigilanz als die Vergleichsgruppen mit kürzerer Haftdauer. Im Rezeptortest wiesen die 0–2 Jahre Inhaftierten mehr kognitive Defizite auf als die ≥ 5 Jahre Inhaftierten. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Die Messung der Aktiviertheit, Ermüdbarkeit und Vigilanz weist darauf hin, dass die Haftdauer bei der Entwicklung eines funktionellen Psychosyndroms eine Rolle spielt. Die Ergebnisse des Rezeptortests, wo die Gruppe mit längerer Haftdauer geringere kognitive Defizite aufwies, lassen in Anbetracht der Tatsache, dass es in dieser Gruppe zu keiner signifikanten Veränderung der Tropicamidwirkung im Verlauf kam, darauf schließen, dass bei dieser Gruppe eine Dosisänderung erforderlich wäre, um die kognitiven Defizite fassbar zu machen.

Mikrocomputer im Einsatz bei Routineuntersuchungen und Forschungsaufgaben im Bereich der klinischen Psychodiagnostik - Application of a Microcomputer in Routine and Research in the Field of Psychodiagnostics

Schlüsselwörter: Statische Pupillometrie, dynamische Pupillometrie, Alphabetischer Reaktionstest, Hautleitfähigkeit, Mikrocomputer, klinische Psychodiagnostik An Beispielen wird gezeigt, daß die eigentlichen Meßprobleme der klinischen Psychodiagnostik keineswegs kompliziert sind. Die zeitaufwendige Auswertung kann jedoch im Routinebetrieb durch den Einsatz eines Minicomputers extrem vereinfacht werden. Der Vorteil liegt vor allem in seiner leichten Adaptierbarkeit für neue Fragestellungen. Bei der nachfolgend beschriebenen Meßanordnung sind die Kapazitäten des Mikroprozessors noch nicht voll ausgeschöpft, so daß weitere Aufgaben durchaus noch zugefügt werden können. Bis dato sind 7 Mikrorechner im Einsatz, die Anzahl der damit durchgeführten Messungen beträgt mittlerweile einige Zehntausend.

Ist Psychopathie psychophysiologisch fassbar

The aim of the present study was to determine whether pupillometry was able to identify and differentiate psychopathic personality traits in criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB). Psychopathic disorder has not only behavioral, but also psychophysiological correlates, which may be evaluated by pupillometry. This might make it possible to diagnose psychopathy by means of a non-invasive method and in a further step to adapt therapeutic measures accordingly. Psychopathic behavior and personality traits were identified by means of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and offenders were divided into 4 groups with PCL-R scores of 0-10, 11-20, 21-30 and 31-40, respectively. Pupillometry makes it possible to objectively measure amplitudes of pupillary oscillations, which may serve as an indicator of central nervous activation/deactivation. The study at hand showed that the higher the PCL-R values, the smaller the amplitudes. Thus, it can be concluded that central nervous activation decreases with higher PCL-R values and psychopathy is associated with central nervous deactivation.

Can psychopathy be detected psychophysiologically

The aim of the present study was to determine whether pupillometry was able to identify and differentiate psychopathic personality traits in criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB). Psychopathic disorder has not only behavioral, but also psychophysiological correlates, which may be evaluated by pupillometry. This might make it possible to diagnose psychopathy by means of a non-invasive method and in a further step to adapt therapeutic measures accordingly. Psychopathic behavior and personality traits were identified by means of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and offenders were divided into 4 groups with PCL-R scores of 0-10, 11-20, 21-30 and 31-40, respectively. Pupillometry makes it possible to objectively measure amplitudes of pupillary oscillations, which may serve as an indicator of central nervous activation/deactivation. The study at hand showed that the higher the PCL-R values, the smaller the amplitudes. Thus, it can be concluded that central nervous activation decreases with higher PCL-R values and psychopathy is associated with central nervous deactivation.

Ist Psychopathie psychophysiologisch fassbar?@@@Can psychopathy be detected psychophysiologically?

The aim of the present study was to determine whether pupillometry was able to identify and differentiate psychopathic personality traits in criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB). Psychopathic disorder has not only behavioral, but also psychophysiological correlates, which may be evaluated by pupillometry. This might make it possible to diagnose psychopathy by means of a non-invasive method and in a further step to adapt therapeutic measures accordingly. Psychopathic behavior and personality traits were identified by means of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and offenders were divided into 4 groups with PCL-R scores of 0-10, 11-20, 21-30 and 31-40, respectively. Pupillometry makes it possible to objectively measure amplitudes of pupillary oscillations, which may serve as an indicator of central nervous activation/deactivation. The study at hand showed that the higher the PCL-R values, the smaller the amplitudes. Thus, it can be concluded that central nervous activation decreases with higher PCL-R values and psychopathy is associated with central nervous deactivation.

[Does the duration of confinement of criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB) play a role in the development of a functional psychosyndrome? - A pupillometric investigation].

BACKGROUND Pupillometry is a non-invasive investigation based on the concept that pupillary reagibility depends on a number of specific sensory, mental and emotional variables. By means of the receptor test based on the topical application of the cholinergic antagonist tropicamide cognitive deficits can be evaluated. The present study focuses on the question whether the receptor test is able to differentiate criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB) with different durations of confinement concerning the presence of a functional psychosyndrome, as defined by Grünberger. METHODS Four groups of offenders with different durations of confinement (group A: confinement 0-2 years, n = 26, X = 33; group B: 2-5 years, n = 29, X = 34; group C: 5-10 years, n = 6, X = 36; group D: >10 years, n = 10, X = 43) were investigated by means of a computer-assisted TV pupillometer. After a baseline measurement 0.01% tropicamide was instilled into the eye. The second measurement was conducted 20 min after the first, the 3rd and 4th measurements in intervals of 20 min. RESULTS The groups with a longer duration of confinement showed a reduced activation and vigilance and increased fatigability as compared with the groups of shorter confinement. In the receptor test the group that had been imprisoned for 0-2 years showed more cognitive deficits than those imprisoned for ≥5 years. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of activation, fatigability and vigilance indicates that the duration of confinement plays a role in the development of a functional psychosyndrome. The results of the receptor test, in which the group with a longer duration of confinement showed less pronounced cognitive deficits and no significant changes of the tropicamide effect over time, suggest that in this group a dose change might be required to make the cognitive deficits evident.SummaryBACKGROUND: Pupillometry is a non-invasive investigation based on the concept that pupillary reagibility depends on a number of specific sensory, mental and emotional variables. By means of the receptor test based on the topical application of the cholinergic antagonist tropicamide cognitive deficits can be evaluated. The present study focuses on the question whether the receptor test is able to differentiate criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB) with different durations of confinement concerning the presence of a functional psychosyndrome, as defined by Grünberger. METHODS: Four groups of offenders with different durations of confinement (group A: confinement 0–2 years, n = 26, X = 33; group B: 2–5 years, n = 29, X = 34; group C: 5–10 years, n = 6, X = 36; group D: >10 years, n = 10, X = 43) were investigated by means of a computer-assisted TV pupillometer. After a baseline measurement 0.01% tropicamide was instilled into the eye. The second measurement was conducted 20 min after the first, the 3rd and 4th measurements in intervals of 20 min. RESULTS: The groups with a longer duration of confinement showed a reduced activation and vigilance and increased fatigability as compared with the groups of shorter confinement. In the receptor test the group that had been imprisoned for 0–2 years showed more cognitive deficits than those imprisoned for ≥5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of activation, fatigability and vigilance indicates that the duration of confinement plays a role in the development of a functional psychosyndrome. The results of the receptor test, in which the group with a longer duration of confinement showed less pronounced cognitive deficits and no significant changes of the tropicamide effect over time, suggest that in this group a dose change might be required to make the cognitive deficits evident.ZusammenfassungGRUNDLAGEN: Die Pupillometrie ist eine nicht-invasive Untersuchungstechnik basierend auf der Annahme, dass sensorische, mentale und emotionale Variable die Reagibilität der Pupille beeinflussen. Mittels des Rezeptortests können durch Einträufeln des cholinergen Antagonisten Tropicamid kognitive Defizite erfasst werden. Diese Untersuchung beschäftigt sich mit der Fragestellung, ob gem. § 21/2 StGB Untergebrachte mit unterschiedlicher Haftdauer mittels des Rezeptortests hinsichtlich des Vorliegens eines funktionellen Psychosyndroms, definiert von Grünberger, unterschieden werden können. METHODIK: Vier Gruppen von Untergebrachten unterschiedlicher Haftdauer (Gruppe A: 0–2 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 26, X = 33 a; Gruppe B: 2–5 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 29, X = 34 a; Gruppe C: 5–10 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 6, X = 36 a; Gruppe D: > 10 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 10, X = 43 a) wurden mittels eines computerunterstützten TV-Pupillometers untersucht. Nach einer Baseline-Messung wurde 0,01% Tropicamid eingeträufelt. Die zweite Messung erfolgte 20 min nach der ersten, die dritte und vierte Messung jeweils in 20-minütigem Abstand. ERGEBNISSE: Die länger inhaftierten Gruppen zeigten eine geringere Aktiviertheit, höhere Ermüdbarkeit und geringere Vigilanz als die Vergleichsgruppen mit kürzerer Haftdauer. Im Rezeptortest wiesen die 0–2 Jahre Inhaftierten mehr kognitive Defizite auf als die ≥ 5 Jahre Inhaftierten. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Die Messung der Aktiviertheit, Ermüdbarkeit und Vigilanz weist darauf hin, dass die Haftdauer bei der Entwicklung eines funktionellen Psychosyndroms eine Rolle spielt. Die Ergebnisse des Rezeptortests, wo die Gruppe mit längerer Haftdauer geringere kognitive Defizite aufwies, lassen in Anbetracht der Tatsache, dass es in dieser Gruppe zu keiner signifikanten Veränderung der Tropicamidwirkung im Verlauf kam, darauf schließen, dass bei dieser Gruppe eine Dosisänderung erforderlich wäre, um die kognitiven Defizite fassbar zu machen.

Spielt die Haftdauer von Untergebrachten gemäß § 21/2 StGB eine Rolle in Bezug auf die Entstehung eines funktionellen Psychosyndroms? – Eine Untersuchung mittels der Methode der Pupillometrie@@@Does the duration of confinement of criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB) play a role in the development of a functional psychosyndrome? – A pupillometric investigation

BACKGROUND Pupillometry is a non-invasive investigation based on the concept that pupillary reagibility depends on a number of specific sensory, mental and emotional variables. By means of the receptor test based on the topical application of the cholinergic antagonist tropicamide cognitive deficits can be evaluated. The present study focuses on the question whether the receptor test is able to differentiate criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB) with different durations of confinement concerning the presence of a functional psychosyndrome, as defined by Grünberger. METHODS Four groups of offenders with different durations of confinement (group A: confinement 0-2 years, n = 26, X = 33; group B: 2-5 years, n = 29, X = 34; group C: 5-10 years, n = 6, X = 36; group D: >10 years, n = 10, X = 43) were investigated by means of a computer-assisted TV pupillometer. After a baseline measurement 0.01% tropicamide was instilled into the eye. The second measurement was conducted 20 min after the first, the 3rd and 4th measurements in intervals of 20 min. RESULTS The groups with a longer duration of confinement showed a reduced activation and vigilance and increased fatigability as compared with the groups of shorter confinement. In the receptor test the group that had been imprisoned for 0-2 years showed more cognitive deficits than those imprisoned for ≥5 years. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of activation, fatigability and vigilance indicates that the duration of confinement plays a role in the development of a functional psychosyndrome. The results of the receptor test, in which the group with a longer duration of confinement showed less pronounced cognitive deficits and no significant changes of the tropicamide effect over time, suggest that in this group a dose change might be required to make the cognitive deficits evident.SummaryBACKGROUND: Pupillometry is a non-invasive investigation based on the concept that pupillary reagibility depends on a number of specific sensory, mental and emotional variables. By means of the receptor test based on the topical application of the cholinergic antagonist tropicamide cognitive deficits can be evaluated. The present study focuses on the question whether the receptor test is able to differentiate criminally responsible mentally disordered offenders (§ 21/2 StGB) with different durations of confinement concerning the presence of a functional psychosyndrome, as defined by Grünberger. METHODS: Four groups of offenders with different durations of confinement (group A: confinement 0–2 years, n = 26, X = 33; group B: 2–5 years, n = 29, X = 34; group C: 5–10 years, n = 6, X = 36; group D: >10 years, n = 10, X = 43) were investigated by means of a computer-assisted TV pupillometer. After a baseline measurement 0.01% tropicamide was instilled into the eye. The second measurement was conducted 20 min after the first, the 3rd and 4th measurements in intervals of 20 min. RESULTS: The groups with a longer duration of confinement showed a reduced activation and vigilance and increased fatigability as compared with the groups of shorter confinement. In the receptor test the group that had been imprisoned for 0–2 years showed more cognitive deficits than those imprisoned for ≥5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of activation, fatigability and vigilance indicates that the duration of confinement plays a role in the development of a functional psychosyndrome. The results of the receptor test, in which the group with a longer duration of confinement showed less pronounced cognitive deficits and no significant changes of the tropicamide effect over time, suggest that in this group a dose change might be required to make the cognitive deficits evident.ZusammenfassungGRUNDLAGEN: Die Pupillometrie ist eine nicht-invasive Untersuchungstechnik basierend auf der Annahme, dass sensorische, mentale und emotionale Variable die Reagibilität der Pupille beeinflussen. Mittels des Rezeptortests können durch Einträufeln des cholinergen Antagonisten Tropicamid kognitive Defizite erfasst werden. Diese Untersuchung beschäftigt sich mit der Fragestellung, ob gem. § 21/2 StGB Untergebrachte mit unterschiedlicher Haftdauer mittels des Rezeptortests hinsichtlich des Vorliegens eines funktionellen Psychosyndroms, definiert von Grünberger, unterschieden werden können. METHODIK: Vier Gruppen von Untergebrachten unterschiedlicher Haftdauer (Gruppe A: 0–2 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 26, X = 33 a; Gruppe B: 2–5 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 29, X = 34 a; Gruppe C: 5–10 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 6, X = 36 a; Gruppe D: > 10 Jahre Haftdauer, n = 10, X = 43 a) wurden mittels eines computerunterstützten TV-Pupillometers untersucht. Nach einer Baseline-Messung wurde 0,01% Tropicamid eingeträufelt. Die zweite Messung erfolgte 20 min nach der ersten, die dritte und vierte Messung jeweils in 20-minütigem Abstand. ERGEBNISSE: Die länger inhaftierten Gruppen zeigten eine geringere Aktiviertheit, höhere Ermüdbarkeit und geringere Vigilanz als die Vergleichsgruppen mit kürzerer Haftdauer. Im Rezeptortest wiesen die 0–2 Jahre Inhaftierten mehr kognitive Defizite auf als die ≥ 5 Jahre Inhaftierten. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Die Messung der Aktiviertheit, Ermüdbarkeit und Vigilanz weist darauf hin, dass die Haftdauer bei der Entwicklung eines funktionellen Psychosyndroms eine Rolle spielt. Die Ergebnisse des Rezeptortests, wo die Gruppe mit längerer Haftdauer geringere kognitive Defizite aufwies, lassen in Anbetracht der Tatsache, dass es in dieser Gruppe zu keiner signifikanten Veränderung der Tropicamidwirkung im Verlauf kam, darauf schließen, dass bei dieser Gruppe eine Dosisänderung erforderlich wäre, um die kognitiven Defizite fassbar zu machen.

The European R&D Project RISE - Use of Electrical Stimulation to Restore Standing in Paraplegics with Long-Term Denervated Degenerated Muscles (DDM)

RISE was funded in Framework Program (FP5). The consortium included 13 European partners from Austria, United Kingdom, Italy, Slovenia, Germany and Iceland and six subcontractors from Austria and Germany. Nine of the nineteen were SCI centres. The project started with November 1, 2001 and ended with December 31, 2006. Within RISE a novel rehabilitation method for patients with long-term flaccid paraplegia and no chance of recovery of the nervous system, was developed. It restores their muscle fibres and mass, muscle function and thus in selected cases their ability to rise and maintain a standing posture. Based on the results from animal experiments on rabbit and pig and a patient study the associated technology was developed and finally an initiative to gain compliance with current and future regulatory affaires was part of the project. One basic intension was to provide European industry with a novel product family to support broad clinical application of the method that addresses the needs of about twenty new patients per million EU inhabitants per year. In addition to stimulation equipment for home based training, measurement equipment to support patient supervision was developed, to monitor the biomechanical and electrophysiological muscle conditions – transfer to industry is in progress.