Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Restores Hand and Arm Function After Spinal Cord Injury

Paralysis of the upper extremity severely restricts independence and quality life after spinal cord injury. Regaining control hand arm movements is highest treatment priority for people with paralysis, 6-fold higher than restoring walking ability. Nevertheless, current approaches to improve function typically do not restore independence. Spinal stimulation an emerging neuromodulation strategy motor function. Recent studies using surgically implanted electrodes demonstrate impressive improvements in voluntary standing stepping. Here we show that transcutaneous electrical leads rapid sustained recovery function, even complete paralysis. Notably, magnitude these matched or exceeded previously reported results from stimulation. Additionally, muscle spasticity was reduced autonomic functions including heart rate, thermoregulation, bladder improved. Perhaps most striking all six participants maintained their gains at least three months beyond stimulation, indicating functional mediated by long-term neuroplasticity. Several resumed hobbies require fine control, such as playing guitar oil painting, first time up 12 years since injuries. Our findings non-invasive networks restores movement hands both paralysis