Clinical outcomes of running with FAST and contour stimulation in the spinal cord stimulation therapy trial only in Japan

Purpose: Using Fast-Acting Sub-Perception (FAST) and Contour Therapy, new stimulation settings for spinal cord stimulation therapy, we investigated whether patients with low back and leg pain were able to run after surgery in Japan. Method: Spinal cord stimulation trial was conducted from 2023 to 2024 and a prospective study was conducted. Fifteen patients (6 male, 9 female) were evaluated on whether they could run after spinal cord stimulation therapy using the average walking time (seconds) when walking 210 cm and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain assessment. Patient satisfaction was rated on a 5-point scale, with 5 being very satisfied, 4 somewhat satisfied, 3 normal, 2 somewhat dissatisfied, and 1 very dissatisfied. Sleep quality was rated on a 10-point scale. Statistical t-test was used and P < 0.01 was considered a significant difference. Results: The NRS showed improvement from 10 to 2.72. The average walking time was 3.48 seconds faster. Regarding patient satisfaction, 11 patients were very satisfied, 2 somewhat satisfied, 1 normal, and 1 somewhat dissatisfied. Sleep quality (good 10 to poor 0) improved from an average of 4.8 to 7.3. Twelve patients were able to run. Significant differences were found. Discussion: FAST and Contour stimulation, new stimulation settings in spinal cord stimulation therapy, improved not only low back and leg pain, but also walking ability and sleep quality. We believe that patients feel more motivated and ultimately patients are able to run and patient satisfaction increase. As a new evaluation of spinal cord stimulation therapy, whether patients will be able to run should also be considered in the future.