Breaking Mental Barriers Promotes Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.868563 · Published: July 7, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether combining gabapentin (GBP) with treadmill training maximizes recovery in mice after spinal cord injury (SCI). Gabapentinoids are drugs used to treat neuropathic pain. The researchers found that while GBP alone helps mice recover forelimb function, adding treadmill training did not provide additional benefits. Surprisingly, even mice given a placebo (vehicle) did not show extra improvement with treadmill training. The study also reveals that mice on GBP were more motivated to participate in treadmill exercises, had increased neurogenesis, and exhibited less anxiety after SCI, suggesting GBP helps with mental health aspects of recovery.

Study Duration

4 Months

Participants

Adult (7- to 8-week-old) female and male C57BL/6J mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Voluntary treadmill training did not enhance forelimb recovery in mice after cervical SCI, regardless of whether they were administered GBP or vehicle.
2
Mice administered GBP showed consistent engagement in the treadmill training protocol, while those administered vehicle exhibited a decline in participation over time, especially at chronic time points.
3
GBP administration promoted hippocampal neurogenesis and reduced anxiety-like behavior in SCI mice, indicating a positive impact on mental health post-injury.

Research Summary

The study aimed to determine if gabapentinoids administration may synergize with cardiovascular-based eﬀorts like treadmill training. The findings indicated that no additive, beneficial effect of voluntary treadmill training is observed in mice administered GBP in the context of increased forelimb recovery Group intervention strategies may prove to be physically and emotionally beneficial for SCI individuals.

Practical Implications

Mental Health Support

Clinicians should address the mental health aspects of SCI recovery, as motivation and engagement are crucial for rehabilitation success.

Social Rehabilitation

Group intervention strategies and social motivators can be integrated into rehabilitation programs to improve patient engagement and outcomes.

Pharmacological Interventions

Gabapentinoids may be considered to prevent the deterioration of mental health and promote neurological recovery after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The experimental model of cervical SCI is rather severe.
2
Further research into optimal logistics and patterns of group therapy is needed
3
The study focused on voluntary treadmill training; direct training of hand and arm function might yield different results.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury