This study investigated the efficacy of electrical nerve stimulation for neuromuscular and functional performance recovery after acute traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). METHODS: Twenty-nine participants with TSCI (20 males and 9 females) were randomly assigned to study group (SG) and control group (CG). Treatment started within 24 h of injury at 3 days/week for 24 weeks. Both groups were treated with a functional re-education approach while SG had electrical nerve stimulation in addition. The American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) scale was used to assess the severity of TSCI, the Spinal Cord Independence Measure evaluated functional performance, Neuromuscular Recovery Scale measured neuromuscular recovery, Walking Index assessed walking function, and a tape rule was used to measure participants' girth. Measurements were taken at baseline and every 6 weeks thereafter. Data were analyzed using the Friedman Analysis of Variance, the Wilcoxon-rank test, and Independent t-test. RESULTS: Participants were aged 15 to 58 years (mean 36.75 +/- 11.75 and median 37 years), with 19 (65.5%) within 19 to 40 years' range. Eighteen (62.1%) had cervical, three (10.2%) thoracic, and eight (27.5%) had lumbar TSCI. Nine (31.0%) each presented with ASIA-A and ASIA-C, seven (24.1%) ASIA-B, and four (13.9%) ASIA-D. Consistent significant (p < 0.05) improvement in neuromuscular and functional performance recovery within SG as compared with CG was recorded, with improvements across the five points of measurement. Walking function improved clinically in SG and no muscle atrophy was recorded throughout 24 weeks. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Electrical nerve stimulation combined with early functional re-training effectively improves neuromuscular and functional performance recovery in acute TSCI.

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