Galileo Research Facts No. 37: Can 60 seconds of Galileo Therapy reduce Spinal Excitability significantly?

This study describes one of the main effects why the neuro-rehabilitation concept (Bridging Bionics Foundation) works so well in combining Galileo Training and Exoskeleton therapy – reduction and Management of spasticity. Why are the results of this study so important? The Spinal Excitability describes the sensitivity of the neuronal system as a reaction to an external stimulus – the higher the H/M Ratio (Spinal Excitability) the more intense is the reaction of the neurological system.

An “active” spasticity, like it usually develops after a SCI accident within the first 12 months, can be seen similar to a cramp in the calf one gets at night: a small movement of the foot suddenly leads to an extreme answer of the system – a cramp. An “active” spasticity can be explained by a similar effect: since there is a lack of signaling from the central level (brain) the spinal cord gets more and more sensitive and therefore easily overreacts to small external perturbations: the spasm. Increases spinal excitability (or spinal sensibility) is one of the key factors why spasticity can be triggered in certain postures. This makes therapy much more difficult because these postures need to be avoided in order not to trigger spasticity.

>Galileo Therapy at high frequencies (>20Hz) can significantly reduce this sensitivity and therefore reduce spasticity in the short- and mid-term. This effect can be used to decrease and to manage spasticity. This can open a window of opportunity also for other therapy approaches, since in this period therapy can address functions which would usually be impossible due to the spasticity n (#GRFS64, #GRFS58, #GRFS40, #GRFS105). Therefore, Galileo Therapy not only sufficient to (re-)establish neuro-muscular functions but also is an effective preparation before other therapy approaches making them more effective.

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