Can magnetic brain stimulation be used to improve rehabilitation outcomes following spinal cord injury?

2021.12.03 | Graduate School of Health

On Friday 17 December at 14:00, Søren Krogh Jensen defends his PhD dissertation entitled "Improving recovery of lower limb function in individuals with neurological disorders: emphasis on the effects of magnetic brain stimulation following spinal cord injury".

A spinal cord injury (SCI) causes chronic complications, such as loss of mobility. A new research project has investigated an unrecognized form of therapy in an attempt to improve the outcome of the subsequent rehabilitation effort.

By applying repetitive, high-intense magnetic stimulation (MS) to the motor cerebral cortex, it has previously been shown possible to induce changes in the central nervous system in individuals with a range of disorders which may be beneficial for regaining locomotor functioning. However, the technique has not been thoroughly studied as a form of treatment for individuals with SCI. Based on the framework of three separate studies, the PhD project seeks to shed further light on the topic. The first study, a systematic literature review, contributes new knowledge about MS and the specific beneficial effects of the technique on recovery of leg functioning in people with neurological disorders, including SCI. In a cross-sectional study, a previously undiscovered pattern of muscle weakness in the leg muscles of patients with SCI is identified; in addition, the use of more advanced assessment methods to identify muscle groups that are essential for the rehabilitation effort is discussed. Finally, results from a published randomized, controlled study are presented, where MS or imitated ("sham") treatment has been applied to a group of patients during their rehabilitation, in order to improve the training results and increase the participants' muscle strength and gait function.

The summary is written by the PhD student.

The defence is public and takes place in Auditorium, Regional Hospital Viborg, Heiberg Allé 5A (Entrance A, 2nd floor), 8800 Viborg and online (meet.rmau1@rooms.rm.dk - use pin 1234 for access) . Please read the attached press release for more information.

Contact:

PhD student Søren Krogh Jensen

Mail: sokrje@clin.au.dk

Phone: (+45) 25342564

Read full press release