News and Events

July 2004

Researchers Receive Grant to Study Neural and Functional Effects of Electrical Stimulation Cycling in Spinal Cord Injury

Drs. Jonathan Strayer and Stephen Page of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have received a 2-year grant to study the neural and functional effects of electrically stimulated cycling in incomplete spinal cord injury. The work follows their successful pilot studies showing that incomplete SCI patients derive functional benefits from participating in this intervention. Benefits have included reduced spasticity and medical complications, improved gait velocity, cadence, and stride length. The study will be a two-year collaboration with Drs. Jerzy Szaflarski (Neurology; Center for Imaging Research) and Jing Huei Lee (Biomedical Engineering; Center for Imaging Research) and Steven Petrofsky of Electrologic, Inc; developer of the Stimmaster Galaxy (the device to be tested in the study).

Notes Dr. Page, Director of Research and Co-principal investigator on the grant, "the study is exciting for several reasons. First, much was made of Christopher Reeve's recent improvements as a result of this intervention. However, he was simultaneously undergoing electrical stimulation and aquatherapy, so, other than our pilot work, no one has teased out what the specific effects of this intervention are. Furthermore, by testing this intervention in people with incomplete spinal cord injury (Reeve has a complete SCI), we stand a good chance of seeing some additional restitution of function, since there is still potential for communication between the spinal cord and the brain. Last but not least, Dr, Strayer actually participated as a subject in the pilot work of this cycling device when it was first developed in the 80's and, in fact, his master's thesis tested physiological effects of using this device versus some other modalities. In that regard, Dr. Strayer may be one of the best qualified individuals in the country to lead this important and cutting edge research."

For the study, the researchers will enroll patients with incomplete SCI and minimal ability to ambulate. All patients will undergo neuroimaging before and after intervention, as well as receiving a gait test and several other measures of disability and handicap. Interested individuals can contact Dr. Page at 513-558-2754. Preliminary data from the study are slated to be presented at the 2004 joint conference of The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine/American Society of Neurorehabilitation in September, 2004.