Spinal Cord Stimulation: Lived Experience Perspective
John Chernesky, Consumer Engagement Program Manager at Praxis, participated in the Up-LIFT Study of non-invasive ARC therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of non-invasive electrical spinal stimulation to maximize upper extremity function.
“The positive effects were substantial; with an increase in strength and endurance, particularly in gross motor function, over a much longer time period with reduced fatigue and enhanced recovery.”
– John Chernesky, Consumer Engagement Program Manager
He recently shared his experience, in our clinician newsletter, SCI Line
“Over the course of 16 weeks (8 weeks pre-training; 8 weeks training w/ spinal cord stimulation intervention), I was able to experience non-invasive transcutaneous SCS personally. The protocol was intensive, with up to three training sessions per week, each lasting around two hours.
I entered the study with no real expectations, although I was well aware of the possible benefits. It took a few sessions of stimulation, playing around with different stimulation parameters, before finding the optimal settings. When optimized, the stimulation felt like it created a global excitation of my entire nervous system, extending down to my lower limbs. I felt no negative neurological effects from the stimulation, other than a slight short-term increase in spastic muscle tone and some minimal discomfort at the electrode sites. The positive effects were substantial; with an increase in strength and endurance, particularly in gross motor function, over a much longer time period with reduced fatigue and enhanced recovery. In fact, my overall energy levels and quality of sleep were considerably improved throughout the duration of the intervention phase of the study. Autonomically, the areas that showed significant change were bowel function and cardiovascular control. Looking at the effect on upper extremities, the greatest improvement was in grip strength with some small changes in fine motor skills. Although the study was focused on upper-extremity function, I noticed the greatest changes in function in my torso and lower limbs.
The effects persisted throughout the stimulation phase of the study but mostly subsided within a couple weeks of the study ending. There is still increased activation in my torso and lower limbs, although not as significant as during the study. Spasticity levels also appear lower, and energy levels remain high. Of note, I have ceased use of spasticity medications (botox and dantrolene) since the study’s completion.”
“When optimized, the stimulation felt like it created a global excitation of my entire nervous system, extending down to my lower limbs. I felt no negative neurological effects from the stimulation, other than a slight short-term increase in spastic muscle tone and some minimal discomfort at the electrode sites.”
