Closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation aids recovery from spinal cord injury by Michael P. Kilgard1,2 ✉, Joseph D. Epperson1,3, Emmanuel A. Adehunoluwa1,2, instant download

Closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation aids recovery from spinal cord injury by Michael P. Kilgard1,2 ✉, Joseph D. Epperson1,3, Emmanuel A. Adehunoluwa1,2, instant download

Decades of research have demonstrated that recovery from serious neurological Check for updatesinjury will require synergistic therapeutic approaches. Rewiring spared neural circuits after injury is a long-standing goal of neurorehabilitation1,2. We hypothesized that combining intensive, progressive, task-focused training with real-time closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (CLV) to enhance synaptic plasticity3 could increase strength, expand range of motion and improve hand function in people with chronic, incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. Here we report the results from a prospective, doubleblinded, sham-controlled, randomized study combining gamifed physical therapy using force and motion sensors to deliver sham or active CLV (ClinicalTrials.gov identifer NCT04288245). After 12 weeks of therapy composed of a miniaturized implant selectively activating the vagus nerve on successful movements, 19 people exhibited a signifcant benefcial efect on arm and hand strength and the ability to perform activities of daily living. CLV represents a promising therapeutic avenue for people with chronic, incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.