The SCENAR (Self-Controlled Energo Neuro Adaptive Regulator) device was developed by Soviet space program teams in the 1970s to provide a non-drug treatment option for cosmonauts in space. SCENAR therapy is a form of functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy that utilises neuroplasticity to restore and improve motor function in individuals with neurological injuries. FES therapy employs electrical currents to activate muscles, facilitating functional movements and promoting neural reorganisation. This approach can lead to significant improvements in motor control, especially when combined with task-specific training and sensory feedback. Research indicates that SCENAR therapy can stimulate the central nervous system, resulting in changes in brain structure and function, which are critical aspects of neuroplasticity. The effects of SCENAR are believed to involve the modulation of neurotransmitters and the release of biochemicals that enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
Through FES, SCENAR therapy provides a rehabilitation technique that stimulates paralysed or weakened muscles after a spinal cord injury, helping individuals regain or improve functional movement and potentially reduce secondary complications.
The SCENAR device communicates with the body through an advanced biofeedback mechanism, constantly adjusting the electrical signals based on the body’s response. It works by interacting with the nervous system to release neuropeptides, which can help reduce pain and inflammation.
