Effects of transcutaneous spinal stimulation on spatiotemporal cortical activation patterns: A proof-of-concept EEG study

Alexander G. Steele, Gerome A. Manson, Philip J. Horner, Dimitry G. Sayenko, Jose L. Contreras-Vidal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective. Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSS) has been shown to be a promising non-invasive alternative to epidural spinal cord stimulation for improving outcomes of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, studies on the effects of TSS on cortical activation are limited. Our objectives were to evaluate the spatiotemporal effects of TSS on brain activity, and determine changes in functional connectivity under several different stimulation conditions. As a control, we also assessed the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on cortical activity. Approach. Non-invasive scalp electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded during TSS or FES while five neurologically intact participants performed one of three lower-limb tasks while in the supine position: (1) A no contraction control task, (2) a rhythmic contraction task, or (3) a tonic contraction task. After EEG denoising and segmentation, independent components (ICs) were clustered across subjects to characterize sensorimotor networks in the time and frequency domains. ICs of the event related potentials (ERPs) were calculated for each cluster and condition. Next, a Generalized Partial Directed Coherence (gPDC) analysis was performed on each cluster to compare the functional connectivity between conditions and tasks. Main results. IC analysis of EEG during TSS resulted in three clusters identified at Brodmann areas (BA) 9, BA 6, and BA 4, which are areas associated with working memory, planning, and movement control. Lastly, we found significant (p < 0.05, adjusted for multiple comparisons) increases and decreases in functional connectivity of clusters during TSS, but not during FES when compared to the no stimulation conditions. Significance. The findings from this study provide evidence of how TSS recruits cortical networks during tonic and rhythmic lower limb movements. These results have implications for the development of spinal cord-based computer interfaces, and the design of neural stimulation devices for the treatment of pain and sensorimotor deficit.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number046001
JournalJournal of neural engineering
Volume19
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2022

Keywords

  • EEG
  • EEG source reconstruction
  • cortical activation
  • functional connectivity
  • movement
  • spinal cord
  • spinal stimulation
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Humans
  • Electroencephalography
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation/methods
  • Movement/physiology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Biomedical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of transcutaneous spinal stimulation on spatiotemporal cortical activation patterns: A proof-of-concept EEG study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this