Julio C. Furlan, MD, LLB, MBA, PhD, MSc, FRCPC, FAAN, FASIA
Neuromodulation plays a key role in the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). The combination of functional electrical stimulation therapy in combination with task-specific training (FEST+TST) has been used in the restoration of voluntary movements for individuals with motor impairment from different neurological diseases including SCI/D. Numerous prior studies reported improved outcomes after FEST+TST in terms of reduction of impairment and disability after SCI/D. A recent scoping review examined the literature on the potential mechanisms of action of FEST+TST. While this neuromodulation strategy is well recognised, its limitations have driven investigations on a novel rehabilitative modality using FES integrated to BCI technology. In addition, FEST+TST could be effective in the management of lower-motor neurons such as postoperative C5 palsy. In brief, this presentation will (i) examine the potential benefits of FEST+TST for the rehabilitation of voluntary extremity movement after SCI/D; (ii) discuss what is known about the mechanisms of action of FEST+TST; (iii) describe concept and components of brain-computer interface technology, and (iv) describe the preliminary results of the use of FEST+TST in the management of new persistent C5 palsy after surgical decompression for degenerative cervical myelopathy.