The Physiology Associated With “Bed Rest” and Inactivity and How It May Relate to the Veterinary Patient With Spinal Cord Injury and Physical Rehabilitation

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2021 · DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.601914 · Published: March 12, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Veterinary Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Bed rest, once a common treatment, is now recognized for its negative impacts on healing, particularly in spinal cord injuries. Physical rehabilitation has emerged as a critical adjunctive treatment to counteract these negative effects. In veterinary medicine, cage rest, the equivalent of bed rest, is frequently prescribed post-spinal surgery to allow stabilization. However, it's crucial to consider the adverse effects of such inactivity. Physical rehabilitation can combat the negative impacts of inactivity by improving recovery rates, reducing pain, and enhancing mobility and mental health.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Inactivity leads to muscle atrophy, with muscle strength decreasing significantly, even more than the degree of atrophy observed.
2
Inactivity causes changes in connective tissues, including ligament, tendon, and joint capsule contracture, leading to stiffness and soreness.
3
Bone mineral density decreases with inactivity, leading to disuse osteoporosis as osteoclast activity remains while osteoblast activity reduces.

Research Summary

Inactivity and bed rest have deleterious effects on various body systems, particularly the musculoskeletal system, in veterinary patients with spinal cord injury. Physical rehabilitation can help reverse or decrease the musculoskeletal changes caused by inactivity through exercises that promote range of motion, coordination, and weight bearing. Future research should focus on the specific effects of cage rest on veterinary patients and the use of standardized rehabilitation protocols to mitigate negative sequelae.

Practical Implications

Optimize Post-operative Care

Integrate physical rehabilitation protocols into post-operative care for veterinary patients with spinal cord injuries to counteract the negative effects of cage rest.

Develop Standardized Protocols

Develop standardized physical rehabilitation protocols tailored for veterinary patients with spinal cord injuries to ensure effective and consistent treatment.

Educate Veterinary Professionals

Educate veterinary professionals on the importance of physical rehabilitation and its benefits in improving mobility and overall health in veterinary patients with spinal cord injuries.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of research focused on the specific effects of cage rest on veterinary patients with spinal cord injury.
2
Absence of accepted, standardized physical rehabilitation treatment protocols for veterinary patients with spinal cord injury.
3
Limited studies on the short- and long-term effects of rehabilitation on muscle, connective tissues, bone, and joints in veterinary patients with spinal cord injury.

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