BioMed Research International, 2014 · DOI: 10.1155/2014/853159 · Published: July 20, 2014
This study investigates how spinal cord injury (SCI) affects bone structure in rats and whether therapies like passive standing (PS) and electrical stimulation (ES) can help. Rats with SCI experience bone loss due to the lack of weight-bearing and muscle activity. The research involved two groups of rats with SCI, observed for either 33 or 63 days. They were divided into subgroups receiving either PS, ES, or no therapy. The bones were then examined to assess changes in their macroscopic and microscopic anatomy. The findings suggest that both PS and ES can mitigate bone loss and improve bone structure after SCI. These interventions may help maintain or restore bone health in individuals with SCI.
PS and ES can be incorporated into rehabilitation programs for individuals with SCI to mitigate bone loss.
The study enhances the understanding of bone changes following SCI and the potential of mechanical loading to counteract these effects.
The results support the clinical use of PS and ES to maintain or improve bone health in SCI patients.