Feasibility of Using Peripheral Nerve Stimulation to Promote Muscular and Cortical Plasticity
Project Description:
Several recent studies have provided convincing evidence that a low-grade electrical stimulation of the median nerve can promote improvements in the activity of the sensorimotor cortices of the brain and the hand's muscular performance in healthy adults and individuals who have had a stroke.
The purpose of this pilot investigation is to determine the feasibility of stimulation provided on the tibial nerve to promote changes in the sensorimotor cortices of the brain and muscular performance of the lower extremities in children with cerebral palsy. Ten children with cerebral palsy (CP) and ten typically developing children will participant in this investigation. A portable neuromuscular stimulation system will be used to deliver a low-grade electrical stimulation at the peripheral nerve via surface electrodes for 30 minutes. The stimulation will be low enough to not produce a muscular contraction, but will elicit a tingling sensation throughout the foot. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) will be used to determine if stimulation of the tibial nerve can alter the responsiveness of the somatosensory cortices that represent the foot.
The primary outcome measure of this investigation is the amplitude of the 40 ms neuromagnetic response of the sensorimotor cortices. Secondary measures include the steadiness of the performance of the lower extremity joint musculature, and tactile acuity on the bottom of the foot.
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
