Physical Stimulation Interventions

Neurostimulatory techniques have the potential to benefit symptoms of depression following SCI by modulating brain activity and promoting neuroplasticity. While this field of study is still evolving, and is particularly limited in the SCI population, several studies have assessed the potential for various therapies to impact depressive symptoms following SCI.

Discussion

Three studies evaluated the using of physical stimulation interventions in reducing depressive symptoms post SCI (Defrin et al. 2007; Fregni et al. 2006; Tan et al. 2011). One RCT by Defrin et al. (2007) evaluated the effectiveness of transmagnetic stimulation in reducing pain post-SCI. This study found a significant decrease in depression in individuals treated with transmagnetic stimulation compared to those in the control group at time of follow-up 2-6 weeks post treatment. No significant effects were seen of transcranial electrical stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation (Fregni et al. 2006; Tan et al. 2011).

Conclusion

There is level 1b evidence (from one randomized controlled trial: Defrin et al. 2007) for the effectiveness of repetitive transmagnetic stimulation in reducing depressive symptoms.