Effective robotic assistive pattern of treadmill training for spinal cord injury in a rat model

EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE, 2018 · DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5822 · Published: January 24, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how different types of assistance during treadmill training affect recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries. The researchers compared normal rat stepping pattern assistance (NRSPA) using a robotic device with manual assistance (MA) provided by a trainer. The study found that rats receiving NRSPA had better outcomes in terms of step quality, nerve function, and nerve regeneration compared to those receiving MA. This suggests that mimicking a normal stepping pattern with robotic assistance may be more effective for rehabilitation after spinal cord injury. These findings support the idea that accurate and consistent assistance during the early stages of stepping learning is crucial for recovery. The robotic assistance provided a stable and repetitive stepping pattern, which seemed to be more beneficial than the variable assistance provided manually.

Study Duration

3 weeks

Participants

40 adult male Sprague‑Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Rats receiving NRSPA during BWSTT exhibited greater improvements in step length, step height, and step number compared to those receiving MA.
2
The NRSPA group showed superior results in transcranial electrical motor-evoked potentials (tceMEPs) assessment, indicating improved nerve conduction in the spinal cord.
3
The NRSPA group demonstrated greater neurofilament 200 (NF200) expression in the spinal cord lesion area, suggesting enhanced axon regeneration compared to the MA group.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effectiveness of different assistive training patterns during body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) for spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation in rats. The researchers compared normal rat stepping pattern assistance (NRSPA) using a robotic device with manual assistance (MA) provided by an experienced trainer. The study concluded that NRSPA was more effective than MA in promoting stepping learning and nerve regeneration in the early phase of acute SCI, as demonstrated by improved locomotor function, neural conduction, and nerve regeneration in the spinal cord lesion area.

Practical Implications

Robotic-Assisted Rehabilitation

The findings suggest that robotic-assisted treadmill training with a normal stepping pattern may be a promising approach for improving locomotor function in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Early Intervention

The study emphasizes the importance of early intervention and accurate assistive training patterns to optimize recovery after spinal cord injury.

Animal Model Platform

The NRSPA method can be used as a new platform for animal experiments for better understanding the mechanisms of SCI rehabilitation.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not evaluate the effects of different training durations and intensities, which may influence the results.
2
The study focused on the early phase of acute SCI; therefore, the long-term effects of NRSPA and MA are unknown.
3
The study only used a rat model, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.

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