Browse the latest research summaries in the field of neuroplasticity for spinal cord injury patients and caregivers.
Showing 31-40 of 153 results
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021 • August 10, 2021
This study investigated the expression regulation of genes involved in synaptic plasticity also exploiting a data-driven approach for the analysis. We included in the study brain and SC areas outside ...
KEY FINDING: A different gene expression regulation is observed in the SC segments rostral and caudal to the lesion.
Exp Neurol, 2021 • December 1, 2021
This study combined myelin water imaging in humans and genetic fate-mapping of oligodendrocyte lineage cells in mice to investigate whether downhill locomotor rehabilitation that emphasizes eccentric ...
KEY FINDING: Downhill training increased myelin water fraction (MWF) in brain motor learning regions (postcentral, precuneus) and mixed motor and sensory tracts of the ventral cervical spinal cord in humans with SCI.
Biology, 2021 • October 7, 2021
We have developed a novel moderately severe high-thoracic midline contusion SCI model that produces robust and clinically relevant impairment in cardiac and hemodynamic function whilst preserving 33 ±...
KEY FINDING: SCI produced a decrease in mean arterial pressure of 17 ± 3 mmHg (p < 0.001) and left ventricular contractility (end-systolic elastance) of 0.7 ± 0.1 mmHg/µL (p < 0.001).
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021 • October 26, 2021
This pilot study investigated a new paired associative stimulation (PAS) protocol combining high-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) with high-intensity 20 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic...
KEY FINDING: The new three-pulse PAS protocol induced the strongest MEP potentiation 60 minutes after stimulation compared to other protocols.
J. Clin. Med., 2022 • January 13, 2022
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to neuroplastic changes throughout the central nervous system (CNS), affecting sensorimotor and autonomic pathways. These changes extend beyond the primary sensorimotor ...
KEY FINDING: Studies indicate that even in cases of complete SCI, sensory pathways may remain intact, with sensory information still reaching the brain without the patient's conscious awareness.
Neural Regen Res, 2022 • October 1, 2022
This review defines respiratory plasticity post-spinal cord injury, discusses research models, and explores translation to clinical research. The review highlights neural interfacing, activity-based t...
KEY FINDING: Spinal interneurons (SpINs) are key therapeutic targets for promoting functional recovery post-SCI due to their role in modulating respiratory output.
F1000Research, 2022 • March 7, 2022
This study protocol outlines a prospective randomized-order crossover trial to investigate the effects of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) on hand engagement in individuals with spinal cord injury (...
KEY FINDING: The primary outcome is the change in corticospinal excitability, measured by the motor evoked potential of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle.
Pharmaceuticals, 2022 • April 11, 2022
This review focuses on the potential of Serotonin 1A receptor agonists to improve locomotor and respiratory functions in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study highlights the efficacy of...
KEY FINDING: 5-HT1A receptor agonists have shown positive changes in locomotor function in animal models of SCI or in humans.
Exp Brain Res, 2022 • June 1, 2022
This study examined the effects of paired brain and spinal cord stimulation combined with locomotor training on flexion reflex pathways in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers fo...
KEY FINDING: Transspinal-TMS paired with locomotor training significantly reduced the amplitude of the flexion reflex during stepping in individuals with SCI.
Journal of Neurotrauma, 2022 • December 1, 2022
This study examined the potential of caffeine to enhance the effects of acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) on walking function in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). The hypot...
KEY FINDING: Participants walked faster after caffeine+AIH, and the boost in speed persisted more than after placebo+AIH or caffeine+SHAM.