Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to combat cognitive aging in people with spinal cord injury: Protocol for a single case experimental design study

This paper describes the design of a randomized, three-phase, single-case experimental study that will examine the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on cognition and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in 15 adults with chronic spinal cord injury. The primary endpoint is cognitive performance during the baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases of the study. Included patients will undergo various clinical tests, including lung function testing (FEV1, FVC, PCF), which will be undertaken using a Vitalograph In2itive spirometer.