An invited review following the Soujinkai Fujiu Memorial Award : development of a neurorehabilitation system for effective functional recovery after spinal cord injury : approach to clinical application from basic research

Combination therapy is essential for functional repairs of the spinal cord. Rehabilitation facilitates the reorganization of residual/regenerated neural pathways and improves motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI). Functional electrical stimulation has previously been used as neuroprosthesis for quadriplegics and can be used in providing rehabilitative therapy to aid in the reorganization of central nervous system after spinal cord regeneration therapy. We have developed a rodent model of a less invasive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) capable of working in combination with other therapies. A series of studies using this model have indicated that NMES therapy is effective in recovering motor function after SCI. We have now developed a gait analysis system in collaboration with the rehabilitation division in our hospital. In future studies, we will test the efficacy of various methods of walk training in conjunction with this system to develop an effective rehabilitation support system that will maximize functional recovery for patients with lower limb paralysis.

spinal cord injury

neurorehabilitation

3D kinematic analysis

functional electrical stimulation

body wight supported treadmill training