Abstract: ObjectiveThrough literature review, we summarized the mechanism on the treatment of spinal cord injury(SCI)using rectal probe electrostimulation(RPES)and its effects, which provided possible directions for further experimental research.Methods Using literature retrieval method, we respectively summarized the Results of the present study, problems and future research directions from the research background on the treatment of spasticity after SCI using RPES, the basis of rectal nerve anatomy, the mechanism on spasticity after SCI and the research on the treatment of spasticity after SCI using RPES. Results The mechanism on the treatment of spasticity after SCI using RPES need further study. Nerves and receptors used in receiving and transmitting RPES signals in rectum are not clear, the nerve pathway among rectum and muscle have not been found, and the superior nerve center whether to participate in modulation has not been final Conclusion . Conclusion There are some complex neural pathways between rectum, sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve stem, sensory area of cerebral cortex, the dorsal commissural nucleus (DCN) in spinal cord and muscles of limbs, in which sensory area of cerebral cortex and the DCN in spinal cord are two important integration areas in these pathways. It would be important for our research whether the existence of neural pathways and RPES treating spasticity after SCI through these pathways.

Key words: rectal probe electrostimulation (RPES), spinal cord injury, spasticity, rectal nerve, neural pathway, review