Approach to Small Animal Neurorehabilitation by Locomotor Training: An Update

Animals, 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/ani12243582 · Published: December 18, 2022

Veterinary Medicine Neurorehabilitation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Locomotor training (LT) is a key neurorehabilitation strategy that helps relearn stepping, leading to coordinated movement, especially after spinal cord injury. This review explains how LT works neurophysiologically and summarizes current evidence. It also guides on performing LT effectively using land and underwater treadmills for small animals. This helps veterinarians implement LT in their daily practice.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Dogs and cats

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Early treadmill training after SCI promotes muscle electromyography signal increase and modulates activity, correlating with motor recovery.
2
Locomotor training enhances M2 macrophages, promoting angiogenesis and functional recovery after SCI.
3
Repeated cyclic exercises over weeks promote spinal reflex locomotion and plasticity in reflex pathways.

Research Summary

Locomotor training is a strategy for functional neurorehabilitation that promotes relearning of stepping, leading to coordinated ambulation, applicable to various neurological diseases including spinal cord injury. The review provides a neurophysiological explanation and overview of current evidence on LT, offering guidance on performing this exercise through land and underwater treadmill training for small animals. Early, intensive LT should be associated with multimodal modalities in all neurological dogs and cats with or without pain perception after surgery or with conservative management, maintaining the stability of the spinal cord.

Practical Implications

Clinical Implementation

Provides practical guidelines and protocols for implementing locomotor training in veterinary settings.

Enhanced Recovery

Highlights the importance of early and intensive locomotor training for improved motor recovery in small animals with neurological conditions.

Further Research

Emphasizes the need for continued research and education to advance locomotor training techniques.

Approach to Small Animal Neurorehabilitation by Locomotor Training: An Update

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Implementation

Enhanced Recovery

Further Research

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Approach to Small Animal Neurorehabilitation by Locomotor Training: An Update

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Implementation

Enhanced Recovery

Further Research

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?