Step Training Reinforces Specific Spinal Locomotor Circuitry in Adult Spinal Rats

The Journal of Neuroscience, 2008 · DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1881-08.2008 · Published: July 16, 2008

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how locomotor training can improve motor function after a spinal cord injury. Adult rats with complete spinal cord transections were trained to step using epidural stimulation and a drug called quipazine. The trained rats showed improved stepping ability compared to nontrained rats, suggesting that training can reinforce specific neural pathways in the spinal cord.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

20 adult female Sprague Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Trained rats exhibited higher and longer steps compared to nontrained rats.
2
Trained rats had a narrower base of support at stance, approaching that of noninjured controls.
3
The number of FOS+ neurons was significantly lower in trained than nontrained rats throughout the lumbosacral segments after stepping.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that step training, combined with epidural stimulation and quipazine, leads to a unique locomotor pattern in adult spinal rats. The trained rats showed improved stepping ability and a more selective activation of spinal neurons compared to nontrained rats. The findings suggest that training reinforces specific sensorimotor pathways, resulting in a more efficient and stable network for controlling locomotion after spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

The study supports the use of locomotor training in rehabilitation programs for spinal cord injury patients.

Targeted Therapies

Understanding the specific neural pathways reinforced by training could lead to the development of more targeted therapies to improve motor function.

Improved Understanding of Spinal Cord Plasticity

The research contributes to a better understanding of the activity-dependent mechanisms underlying spinal cord plasticity after injury.

Step Training Reinforces Specific Spinal Locomotor Circuitry in Adult Spinal Rats

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Targeted Therapies

Improved Understanding of Spinal Cord Plasticity

Study Limitations

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Was this summary helpful?

Step Training Reinforces Specific Spinal Locomotor Circuitry in Adult Spinal Rats

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Targeted Therapies

Improved Understanding of Spinal Cord Plasticity

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?