Spinal cord stimulation for upper limb motor function in people with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis: a feasibility trial - Summary - MDSpire
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Evaluation of Spinal Cord Stimulation for Enhancing Upper Limb Motor Abilities in Individuals with Chronic Hemiparesis Following Stroke: A Feasibility Study

  • By

  • Roberto M. de Freitas

  • Shovan Bhatia

  • Erynn Sorensen

  • Nikhil Verma

  • Erick Carranza

  • Scott Ensel

  • Luigi Borda

  • Amy Boos

  • Jeff Goldsmith

  • Lee E. Fisher

  • Daryl P. Fields

  • Marc P. Powell

  • Shane Gordon

  • Jeffrey Balzer

  • Robert M. Friedlander

  • George F. Wittenberg

  • Peter C. Gerszten

  • John W. Krakauer

  • Elvira Pirondini

  • Douglas J. Weber

  • Marco Capogrosso

  • June 4, 2026

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Objective:

To investigate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of epidural cervical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis, including an assessment of its effects on motor function.

Key Findings:
  • Stimulation of the C3−C4 spinal segment should be avoided due to the risk of interfering with normal breathing.
  • SCS can be delivered at effective intensities without causing discomfort.
  • SCS improved strength, arm dexterity, movement synergies, and spasticity, with maximal efficacy when SCS is ON, demonstrating both immediate assistive and long-term therapeutic effects.
  • Retention of motor improvements depends on continued use of SCS.
  • Individuals with milder sensory impairments showed greater improvements in motor function.
Interpretation:

The study provides preliminary evidence supporting the safety and feasibility of SCS in enhancing motor function in chronic hemiparesis, highlighting its potential for both immediate and sustained improvements.

Limitations:
  • The study involved a small sample size of seven participants.
  • No formal motor rehabilitation protocol was implemented during the trial.
  • The absence of a control group limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Conclusion:

Epidural cervical SCS may serve as a promising intervention for immediate and assistive improvements in upper limb motor function in chronic hemiparesis.

Original Source(s)

Spinal cord stimulation for upper limb motor function in people with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis: a feasibility trial

  • by Roberto M. de Freitas, Shovan Bhatia, Erynn Sorensen, Nikhil Verma, Erick Carranza, Scott Ensel, Luigi Borda, Amy Boos, Jeff Goldsmith, Lee E. Fisher, Daryl P. Fields, Marc P. Powell, Shane Gordon, Jeffrey Balzer, Robert M. Friedlander, George F. Wittenberg, Peter C. Gerszten, John W. Krakauer, Elvira Pirondini, Douglas J. Weber, Marco Capogrosso

  • June 4, 2026

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