德克萨斯大学Robert L. Rennaker小组近日取得一项新成果。经过不懈努力，他们的最新研究提出了迷走神经闭环刺激有助于脊髓损伤的恢复。该项研究成果发表在2025年5月21日出版的《自然》上。

课题组假设，将高强度、渐进式、以任务为主题的训练与实时闭环迷走神经刺激（CLV）相结合，以增强突触可塑性，可以增加慢性、不完全性颈脊髓损伤患者的力量、扩大运动范围并改善手部功能。

在此，该研究团队报告了一项前瞻性、双盲、假对照、随机研究的结果，该研究结合了游戏化物理治疗主题力和运动传感器来传递假或主动CLV （ClinicalTrials.gov标识符NCT04288245）。经过12周的治疗，19人的手臂和手的力量以及进行日常生活活动的能力都得到了显著的改善。治疗包括一个微型植入物选择性地激活迷走神经。CLV为慢性不完全性颈脊髓损伤患者提供了一种很有前途的治疗途径。

据介绍，几十年的研究表明，从严重的神经损伤中恢复需要协同治疗方法。损伤后神经回路的重新布线是神经康复的长期目标。

附：英文原文

Title: Closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation aids recovery from spinal cord injury

Author: Kilgard, Michael P., Epperson, Joseph D., Adehunoluwa, Emmanuel A., Swank, Chad, Porter, Amy L., Pruitt, David T., Gallaway, Holle L., Stevens, Christi, Gillespie, Jaime, Arnold, Dannae, Powers, Mark B., Hamilton, Rita G., Naftalis, Richard C., Foreman, Michael L., Wigginton, Jane G., Hays, Seth A., Rennaker, Robert L.

Issue&Volume: 2025-05-21

Abstract: Decades of research have demonstrated that recovery from serious neurological injury will require synergistic therapeutic approaches. Rewiring spared neural circuits after injury is a long-standing goal of neurorehabilitation1,2. We hypothesized that combining intensive, progressive, task-focused training with real-time closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (CLV) to enhance synaptic plasticity3 could increase strength, expand range of motion and improve hand function in people with chronic, incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. Here we report the results from a prospective, double-blinded, sham-controlled, randomized study combining gamified physical therapy using force and motion sensors to deliver sham or active CLV (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04288245). After 12 weeks of therapy composed of a miniaturized implant selectively activating the vagus nerve on successful movements, 19 people exhibited a significant beneficial effect on arm and hand strength and the ability to perform activities of daily living. CLV represents a promising therapeutic avenue for people with chronic, incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09028-5

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09028-5