Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/812304
Incorporating Bioelectronic Therapy Expanding on the success of the robotics program, Bruce T. Volpe, MD, a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at the Feinstein Institute, and his team have begun integrating noninvasive bioelectronic therapy with the treatment regimens of patients recovering from stroke. In these latest trials, stroke therapy with robotics is combined with external stimulation. Patients who have had a stroke experience increased activation of their spinal cord signals, which causes muscles to tighten. This can present as hands being permanently clenched, making fine motor skills difficult. Dr. Volpe believes that stimulation can help quiet the noisy signals of the spinal cord so the body's motor system can take over. His team is conducting two separate studies into the use of nerve stimulation in stroke patients. In one study, patients receive transcranial direct current stimulation — a noninvasive form of brain stimulation — as well as robotic therapy, three times a week for 12 weeks. Researchers hope to discover whether or not the combination of treatments will further improve arm mobility. The second study examines the effect of stimulation on patients' limb functionality when it is used alone. In this study, patients receive transspinal direct current stimulation, another form of noninvasive spinal stimulation, five times a week for two weeks, with the aim of reducing tightness of the wrist and hand. Researchers hope these devices will help train the impaired limb to repeat motions on its own over time and that the challenge will help maintain patients' motivation and attention. "Using Dr. Volpe's robot program is like playing a video game, and it helps me push myself harder," Kathleen said. "After my session is finished, even though it is challenging, I want to do more so that I can regain use of my arms and legs." Under Dr. Volpe's guidance, Kathleen's therapy was expanded to include bioelectronic stimulation, another advanced treatment protocol being explored by researchers at the Feinstein Institute. "After rehabilitation with the robots and receiving stimulation, I can move my arms and legs better," Kathleen said. "I no longer worry about not being a good mother. With Dr. Volpe's help, I am able to do what I need to do to be the mother I want to be." To learn more about research being done to benefit stroke patients, visit 4healthier.me/NWSD-stroke. protocol being explored by researchers at the Feinstein Institute. FeinsteinInstitute.org 5 Patient Success