Chapter 29 - Electrophysiological outcome measures in spinal cord injury: A new narrative

Abstract

This chapter aims to discuss the electrophysiological outcome measures used in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) to assess residual function, recovery potential, and outcome measures to evaluate responses to research interventions. The utilization of electrophysiological (EP) measures is increasing due to their ability to provide objective measurements and detect subtle changes with quantitative data on the neural function, which often correlate with functional changes. EP measures complement clinical exams and outcomes in people with neuromuscular disorders, including SCI. EP measures have been used in SCI clinical trials to study the effects of various interventions on neurophysiology. Frequently reported electrophysiological measures in clinical trials of people with SCI include electromyography activity, motor evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked potentials, and Hoffman reflex. Other infrequently reported measures include reflex electromyography activity, nerve conduction studies, silent period, contact heat evoked potentials, and sympathetic skin response. However, there is heterogeneity in the methodology and reporting of EP measures that warrants standardization, which is necessary to improve our understanding of meaningful changes in EP measures after SCI.