Neurofeedback to improve spasticity after incomplete spinal cord injury
The aim of this project is to study the effects of voluntary brain wave modulation on brain and motor function in chronic or subacute incomplete SCI (iSCI) patients who experience spasticity. We are attempting to improve people’s control over their arms or legs. The study involves recording participants' brain signals (EEG) and displaying them on a computer, so that they learn to control specific features from their brain waves. This is called neurofeedback (NF). Two studies conducted in our group that explored NF effect on central neuropathic pain in iSCI reported as incidental finding a decrease in spasms, muscle tightness and foot drop.
The effect of NF is immediate and lasts up to 24 hours. In this study, we will explore systematically the short- and medium-term effect of NF on iSCI. We are recruiting participants aged 18 and over who had an incomplete spinal cord injury more than 3 months prior to entering the study, and experience spasticity in the arms and/or legs as a result of their injury.
