Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oscillating Field Stimulation (OFS) is an emerging therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury (SCI) that is currently undergoing extensive investigation in preclinical in vivo studies. However, there has yet to be a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of OFS technology in treating spinal cord injuries based on studies conducted with experimental animal models. METHODS: A thorough search was performed across PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies that were not in vivo preclinical research or were published in languages other than English were excluded. The SYRCLE tool was utilized to assess the risk of bias, and the extracted data underwent qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 89 studies identified from the electronic databases, 8 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among these, 7 studies utilized a contusion model, while 1 employed a compression model. The application of OFS consistently resulted in significant enhancements in motor function scores compared to untreated SCI rats across all studies. This observed functional recovery correlated with histological improvements at the injury site. Although all studies were deemed to have a low risk of bias, some displayed incomplete reporting in specific areas. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that OFS is a promising therapeutic approach for SCI, significantly enhancing functional recovery through multiple mechanisms. These include promoting nerve regeneration, aiding in myelin repair, and minimizing glial scarring. Future studies should concentrate on determining the optimal timing for OFS intervention, refining the electric field application methods, and investigating potential synergies with stem cell therapies. Thorough validation is essential before progressing to clinical applications.