Response of external inspiration to the movements induced by transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation

Abstract

The dynamic of the parameters of lung ventilation and gas exchange have been studied in 10 young male subjects during involuntary stepping movements induced by transcutaneous spinal cord electrical stimulation applied in the projection of T₁₁–T₁₂ vertebrae and during voluntary stepping movements. It has been found that the transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation inducing stepping movements leads to an increase in breathing frequency and a reduction in tidal volume. These effects may be mediated by some neurogenic factors associated with muscular activity during stepping movements, the activation of abdominal expiratory muscles, and the interaction between the stepping pattern and breathing generators.