The Effect of Electromagnetic Field Treatment on Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury in a Rat Model – Clinical and Imaging Findings

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to spinal cord damage arising from trauma, disease or degeneration. At present, there is still no treatment for any paraplegia resulting from SCI. We have previously shown that very low intensity, low frequency, electromagnetic field treatment (VLIFE) promotes neuronal plasticity after stroke and as a result, improves clinical recovery. Objective: In this paper we studied an innovative electromagnetic field treatment for SCI in an animal model. Methods: SCI was caused to 20 rats by hemi crush. The animals were divided into three groups, 7 animals were not treated, two groups received VLIFE treatment for two months, 7 rats received 15.72 Hz, and 6 rats received a dedicated treatment of 26 Hz. Clinical evaluation was performed weekly, and imaging assessment monthly. Results: Clinical performance assessed by a locomotor test, show significant clinical improvement of the neurological function following treatment with VLIFE (p < 0.05). Imaging results after two months of treatment, by MRI including DTI analysis, show that the non-treated (sham) spinal cord has not recovered, while in the treated animal the fibers of the spinal cord were preserved and rewired. VLIFE treatment has major benefits on injured spinal cord: preservation of the spinal cord from further degradation caused by the edema and internal cord scars, and rewiring of the spinal cord resulting with rehabilitation and improved clinical performance. Conclusions: Low intensity low frequency electromagnetic field treatment may be beneficial for rehabilitation from SCI, human clinical trials are planned.