Control of Gait Phases Using Noninvasive Electrical Stimulation of the Spinal Cord and Muscles

The possibility of controlling the human gait cycle using transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) and functional stimulation of the lower leg muscles has been studied. The results involving healthy volunteers (n = 8), who underwent multilevel tSCS and muscle stimulation while walking on a treadmill, are presented. The study methods included recording spatial and temporal gait parameters using wireless sensors and video motion capture. It has been found that tSCS in combination with functional muscle stimulation provides the greatest effect in the regulation of gait parameters. Stimulation of the calf muscle in the stance phase has increased the amplitude of movements in the ankle joint and foot elevation above the support. Stimulation of the tibialis anterior muscle in the swing phase has contributed to an increase in foot dorsiflexion and movement speed. The results have important practical significance for the development of new rehabilitation methods for patients with locomotive syndrome. The prospect of alternating modes of spinal cord and muscle stimulation to restore the swing and stance phases during walking is shown.