Study on the regulation function of spinal cord micro-stimulation signal parameters on hind limb movement in rats

Functional electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can evoke limb movement in patients with motor dysfunction caused by injury or pathology. Research question: However, the adjustment function of micro-stimulation signal parameters in the spinal cord on the motion of hind limbs about rodents has not been identified. The amplitude, frequency and pulse width of the spinal cord micro-stimulation signal were adjusted to quantitatively analyze the changes of the joint angles when the hindlimb produced extension and flexion responses. When the rat’s extension and flexion responses are induced, the optimal stimulus signal amplitudes are 40 µA and 90 µA respectively. At the same time, the optimal stimulation signal frequency range is (35±5) Hz and the best pulse width of the stimulation signal is 200 µs. The results can provide a further reference for the development of spinal cord stimulator for hindlimb regulation.