Treadmill step training promotes spinal cord neural plasticity after incomplete spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2013 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.27.005 · Published: September 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how treadmill training affects recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury in rats. Rats with spinal cord injuries were divided into two groups: one received treadmill training, and the other did not. The study found that rats that underwent treadmill training showed greater improvement in motor skills compared to the control group. This improvement was linked to changes in the spinal cord, indicating that treadmill training promotes neural plasticity. The findings suggest that treadmill training can help improve functional recovery after incomplete spinal cord injuries by promoting neural plasticity in the spinal cord, specifically by increasing the expression of certain proteins associated with nerve growth and interneuron activity.

Study Duration

10 weeks

Participants

20 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level 2; Randomized controlled animal study

Key Findings

1
Treadmill training significantly improved spontaneous motor activity in rats with incomplete spinal cord injury, as measured by Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores.
2
Treadmill training increased growth-associated protein-43 expression in the injured spinal cord, indicating increased axonal and synaptic plasticity at the lesion site.
3
Treadmill training increased tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the second lumbar spinal segment, suggesting enhanced interneuron plasticity caudal to the lesion site.

Research Summary

This study aimed to investigate the effect of treadmill step training on functional recovery and neural plasticity in rats with moderate spinal cord contusion. The results showed that treadmill training significantly improves functional recovery and neural plasticity after incomplete spinal cord injury, as evidenced by improved Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores and increased expression of growth-associated protein-43 and tyrosine hydroxylase. The study concludes that step training promotes plasticity at both the lesion and sublesion sites, substantially promoting locomotor recovery after moderate spinal cord contusion in rats.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Treadmill training can be used as an effective rehabilitation strategy to improve motor function in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries.

Neural Plasticity

The study provides evidence for the role of neural plasticity in recovery from spinal cord injury, suggesting that targeted interventions can promote beneficial changes in the spinal cord.

Therapeutic Targets

Growth-associated protein-43 and tyrosine hydroxylase can be considered as potential therapeutic targets to enhance recovery after spinal cord injury.

Treadmill step training promotes spinal cord neural plasticity after incomplete spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Neural Plasticity

Therapeutic Targets

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Treadmill step training promotes spinal cord neural plasticity after incomplete spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Neural Plasticity

Therapeutic Targets

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?