Physiological Changes Induced Through MEP Conditioning in People With SCI

Inclusion Criteria: - Neurologically stable (>1 year post SCI) - Medical clearance to participate - Ability to ambulate at least 10 m with or without an assistive device (except for parallel bars) - Signs of weak ankle dorsiflexion at least unilaterally - Expectation that current medication will be maintained without change for at least 3 months; stable use of anti-spasticity medication is accepted Exclusion Criteria: - motoneuron injury - known cardiac condition (e.g., history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, pacemaker use) - medically unstable condition - cognitive impairment - history of epileptic seizures - metal implants in the cranium - implanted biomedical device in or above the ches (e.g., a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant) - no measurable MEP elicited - unable to produce any voluntary TA EMG activity - extensive use of functional electrical stimulation to the leg on a daily basis - pregnancy (due to changes in weight and posture and potential medical instability)

Study Location
South Carolina