Spinal Neuromodulation: From Basic and Translational Research to Clinical Practice

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2025 | Viewed by 1557

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
2. Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
3. Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Interests: spinal neuromodulation; respiratory-cardiovascular rehabilitation; locomotor rehabilitation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Spinal neuromodulation represents a rapidly evolving field that bridges basic neuroscience, translational research, and clinical practice. With advancements in understanding spinal cord physiology and the development of innovative technologies, neuromodulation has emerged as a promising approach for managing various neurological disorders, including chronic pain, spasticity, and motor impairments following spinal cord injury. However, significant gaps remain in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of neuromodulation, optimizing intervention protocols, and translating laboratory findings into effective clinical applications.

This Special Issue of Life aims to bring together groundbreaking research and comprehensive reviews that explore the full spectrum of spinal neuromodulation, from fundamental studies of spinal cord circuits to the latest clinical trials. We welcome submissions addressing the following topics:

  • Mechanisms of action in spinal neuromodulation, including neural circuit dynamics and plasticity;
  • Advances in neuromodulation technologies, including closed-loop systems, electrode design, and biofeedback integration;
  • Preclinical and translational research that bridges the gap between basic neuroscience and clinical applications;
  • Innovations in clinical applications of spinal neuromodulation, including interventions for spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic pain syndromes;
  • Challenges and strategies for scaling neuromodulation therapies, including patient selection, long-term efficacy, and cost-effectiveness;
  • Interdisciplinary approaches that integrate neuromodulation with physical rehabilitation, pharmacological treatments, and assistive technologies.

The Special Issue seeks to foster collaboration across disciplines, promoting knowledge exchange that advances the science and application of spinal neuromodulation. By highlighting state-of-the-art research and emerging trends, we aim to provide a platform for innovative studies that will shape the future of this transformative field.

Potential contributors are encouraged to submit original research articles, systematic reviews, or perspectives that align with the theme of this Special Issue. Together, let us advance the field of spinal neuromodulation and translate scientific discoveries into impactful clinical outcomes.

Dr. Alexander V. Ovechkin
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • spinal neuromodulation
  • translational neuroscience
  • spinal cord injury
  • neural plasticity
  • multi-disciplinary rehabilitation

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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26 pages, 1587 KiB  
Systematic Review
Noninvasive Electrical Modalities to Alleviate Respiratory Deficits Following Spinal Cord Injury
by Niraj Singh Tharu, Aastha Suthar, Yury Gerasimenko, Camilo Castillo, Alex Ng and Alexander Ovechkin
Life 2024, 14(12), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121657 - 13 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1317
Abstract
(1) Background: Respiratory dysfunction is a debilitating consequence of cervical and thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI), resulting from the loss of cortico-spinal drive to respiratory motor networks. This impairment affects both central and peripheral nervous systems, disrupting motor control and muscle innervation, which [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Respiratory dysfunction is a debilitating consequence of cervical and thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI), resulting from the loss of cortico-spinal drive to respiratory motor networks. This impairment affects both central and peripheral nervous systems, disrupting motor control and muscle innervation, which is essential for effective breathing. These deficits significantly impact the health and quality of life of individuals with SCI. Noninvasive stimulation techniques targeting these networks have emerged as a promising strategy to restore respiratory function. This study systematically reviewed the evidence on noninvasive electrical stimulation modalities targeting respiratory motor networks, complemented by previously unpublished data from our research. (2) Methods: A systematic search of five databases (PubMed, Ovid, Embase, Science Direct, and Web of Science) identified studies published through 31 August 2024. A total of 19 studies involving 194 participants with SCI were included. Unpublished data from our research were also analyzed to provide supplementary insights. (3) Results: Among the stimulation modalities reviewed, spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) emerged as a particularly promising therapeutic approach for respiratory rehabilitation in individuals with SCI. An exploratory clinical trial conducted by the authors confirmed the effectiveness of scTS in enhancing respiratory motor performance using a bipolar, 5 kHz-modulated, and 1 ms pulse width modality. However, the heterogeneity in SCI populations and stimulation protocols across studies underscores the need for further standardization and individualized optimization to enhance clinical outcomes. (4) Conclusions: Developing standardized and individualized neuromodulatory protocols, addressing both central and peripheral nervous system impairments, is critical to optimizing respiratory recovery and advancing clinical implementation. Full article
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