Abstract #29: Scaling Spinal Cord injury Models for Non-invasive Stimulation

Background: There is a long-standing interest in using non-invasive electrical stimulation in rehabilitation including after spinal cord injury. Neurophysiological measures in human trials show Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation (tSDCS) produces acute and lasting changes in corticospinal excitability, including after spinal cord injury. Importantly, animal (rodent) models of tSDCS following injury suggest therapeutic potential including measures of behavior and axonal outgrowth. In vitro studies show direct current stimulation modulates excitability and plasticity. Whereas animal models show efficacy, it is a challenge to translate stimulation paramenters to the human.