Use of quadrupedal step training to re-engage spinal interneuronal networks and improve locomotor function after spinal cord injury

Brain, 2013 · DOI: 10.1093/brain/awt265 · Published: October 7, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether training the forelimbs in conjunction with the hindlimbs can improve lower limb motor function after spinal cord injury. The study found that engaging the forelimbs simultaneously with the hindlimbs during treadmill step-training improved hindlimb function compared to training only the hindlimbs. The results suggest that spinal interneuronal networks linking the forelimbs and hindlimbs can be re-engaged through rehabilitation training, potentially enhancing locomotor recovery after neurological damage.

Study Duration

2.5 weeks

Participants

23 adult rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Actively engaging both forelimbs and hindlimbs in quadrupedal step-training results in superior locomotor quality and coordination compared to training only hindlimbs (bipedal step-training) or no training.
2
Quadrupedal step-training is associated with greater excitability of motor neurons, reflected in lower excitation thresholds of epidurally evoked potentials in hindlimb muscles on both lesioned and non-lesioned sides.
3
Quadrupedal step-trained rats exhibit a significantly greater level of rostrocaudal thoracic interneuron connectivity, showing the highest number of labelled propriospinal neurons above and below the hemisection site bilaterally.

Research Summary

The study investigates the impact of quadrupedal step-training on locomotor recovery after spinal cord hemisection in rats, comparing it with bipedal step-training and a non-trained control group. Key findings indicate that quadrupedal training improves hindlimb function, increases motor neuron excitability, and enhances rostrocaudal thoracic interneuron connectivity compared to the other groups. The research suggests that actively engaging the forelimbs during locomotor training promotes neuroplasticity and facilitates the re-engagement of spinal interneuronal networks, leading to improved locomotor outcomes.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

The findings suggest that rehabilitation strategies should incorporate upper limb training to enhance lower limb recovery after spinal cord injury.

Therapeutic Interventions

The study supports the development of therapeutic interventions that target the re-engagement of spinal interneuronal networks to improve locomotor function.

Preclinical Studies

The results provide a rationale for preclinical studies to explore training paradigms involving upper arm training in conjunction with lower extremity training.

Study Limitations

1
The absence of cervical labelled neurons.
2
The specific mechanisms by which forelimb afferent input influences hindlimb activity are not fully elucidated.
3
The study focuses on rats with a specific type of spinal cord injury (hemisection), limiting the generalizability to other types of injuries.

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