Introduction: The Spinal cord lesions are a serious medical problem that leads to loss of the ability to move and a critical decline in the quality of human life. The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation is one of interesting methods that will be considered for future therapeutic tools for improvement of muscular activity of hind limbs. The main challenge is implanting electrodes in the epidural spinal zone and electrical stimulation model. The aim of this study is to provide the best suitable electrode placement and electrical stimulation pattern to achieve the best result for stepping in Wistar rats. Methods: 12 adult female rats were divided into control and experimental groups (N=6). After deep generalized anesthesia, rats were penalized T10 segment and active electrode was inserted in L2 segment. The reference electrode was attached to the muscles close to the stimulation electrode area. Finally electrodes were fixed on the back of the neck. After the repair and recovery period (with the appropriate antibiotic and analgesic prescriptions) eelectrical stimulation with different patterns (frequencies, amplitudes and pulse rates) were applied to acquire best muscular contractions results. Results: Results showed that spinalization in T10 leads to complete paralysis and electrical stimulation (30-40 HZ, 200 microsecond pulse and 3-5 volt) causes tonic contraction of muscles in hind limbs. Conclusion: The results confirm that the site of lesion in t10 spinal segment leads the best and completed prolonged paralysis. Also, induced electrical stimulation ((30-40 HZ, 200 microsecond pulse rate, 3-5 volt) gives an appropriate symmetric contraction and tonus in experimental group that will show forceful standing position.

Keywords