Minassian et al. (2004)

Stepping-like movements in humans with complete spinal cord injury induced by epidural stimulation of the lumbar cord: electromyographic study of compound muscle action potentials.

K Minassian, B Jilge, F Rattay, MM Pinter, H Binder, F Gerstenbrand, MR Dimitrijevic.

The muscle activity evoked by epidural lumbar cord stimulation as described in the present study was initiated within the posterior roots. These posterior roots muscle reflex responses (PRMRRs) to 2.2 Hz stimulation were routed through monosynaptic pathways. Sustained stimulation at 5-50 Hz engaged central spinal PRMRR components. We propose that repeated volleys delivered to the lumbar cord via the posterior roots can effectively modify the central state of spinal circuits by temporarily combining them into functional units generating integrated motor behavior of sustained extension and rhythmic flexion/extension movements. This study opens the possibility for developing neuroprostheses for activation of inherent spinal networks involved in generating functional synergistic movements using a single electrode implanted in a localized and stable region. - Spinal Cord (2004) vol. 42 (7) pp. 401-16