AUTHOR=Francisco Silvestre Orcizo , Silva e Lima Schleder Julia , Valentina Zuchatti Bruna , Bittar Cintia Kelly , Alves Fakih Carla , Squarizi Simões Chagas Marina , Taboni Lisboa Vinicius , Cliquet Junior Alberto 

TITLE=Spinal cord injury and electrical stimulation: analysis of neuroplasticity in a case report

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-sciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1557010

DOI=10.3389/fresc.2025.1557010

ISSN=2673-6861

ABSTRACT=IntroductionSpinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a highly prevalent condition, with just below 1 million new cases yearly, deriving for traumatic and non-traumatic causes. It is a significant cause for disability, greatly impacting quality of life of affected individuals, and as such, requires effective rehabilitation methods in order to maintain daily function. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a helpful treatment, stimulating muscle contraction and plasticity through electrical currents.MethodsThis is a Case-Report of two cases with different SCI causes, submitted to a 1-year treatment with NMES under identical protocols. ASIA neurological examination with AIS classification was performed before and after treatment, as well as surface Electromyographic assessment for the Vastus Lateralis and Rectus Femoris muscles bilaterally.ResultsNeurological recovery was remarkable after 1 year, with AIS increasing from a score of A to C in the first case and B to C in the second. EMG assessment showed a bilateral increase of peak values as well as successful Quadriceps muscle contraction generating knee extension.ConclusionNeuromuscular electrical stimulation may be a promising strategy in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries, with the potential to aid in functional recovery and modulation of neuroplasticity. Preliminary observations, such as those in this case report, suggest that the technique may be associated with improvements in mobility and quality of life in patients, although controlled studies are needed to confirm these effects.