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  4. Operant conditioning of spinal reflexes: from basic science to clinical therapy

Operant conditioning of spinal reflexes: from basic science to clinical therapy

Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 2014 · DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2014.00025 · Published: March 18, 2014

Spinal Cord InjuryNeurologyRehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This review discusses how operant conditioning, a type of learning, can be used to modify spinal reflexes. Initially a basic science endeavor, it has evolved into a potential therapeutic approach for spinal cord injuries. The study emphasizes the synergy between basic and clinical research, highlighting the importance of understanding how the nervous system adapts.

Study Duration
35 years
Participants
Monkeys, rats, mice, and humans
Evidence Level
Review article

Key Findings

  • 1
    Operant conditioning can induce long-term changes in spinal cord pathways.
  • 2
    This conditioning relies on a hierarchy of brain and spinal cord plasticity.
  • 3
    Conditioning can improve locomotion in rats and humans with spinal cord injuries.

Research Summary

This review explores the evolution of operant conditioning of spinal reflexes from basic science to clinical therapy. It highlights the importance of basic research for clinical progress and the synergy between basic and clinical research. The review also discusses the potential therapeutic applications of reflex conditioning for spinal cord injuries and other disorders.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Operant conditioning of spinal reflexes may offer a novel approach for improving motor function in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Targeted Neuroplasticity

Conditioning protocols can be designed to specifically target and modify activity in specific CNS pathways, allowing for personalized therapeutic interventions.

Understanding Spinal Cord Function

Studying reflex conditioning can provide insights into the role of the spinal cord in behavior and how different behaviors are acquired and maintained.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The long course of conditioning.
  • 2
    Difficulties of primate research constrained mechanistic studies.
  • 3
    Compensatory changes in the behavior of other muscles.

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