A Pelvic Implant Orthosis in Rodents, for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, and for Brain Machine Interface Research: Construction, Surgical Implantation and Validation

J Neurosci Methods, 2014 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2013.10.022 · Published: January 30, 2014

Simple Explanation

This paper introduces a new method for applying mechanical forces to the pelvis of rats for research in spinal cord injury rehabilitation and brain-machine interfaces. The method involves surgically implanting a pelvic orthosis that allows direct force application to the skeleton, avoiding issues with slings or cuffs that can squeeze the abdomen or alter sensory feedback. The study validates the implant procedure by showing that it has minimal impact on the rat's natural stepping motion, making it suitable for studying rehabilitation and augmentation devices.

Study Duration

6-10 weeks

Participants

8 adult female Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The pelvic implant orthosis can be constructed from readily available standard machine parts.
2
Surgical implantation procedures are detailed for easy replication, allowing attachment of robotic or other devices.
3
Kinematic step cycle parameter validation shows minimal effect on locomotion, with ANOVA showing no implant effects on stepping.

Research Summary

This paper details the construction, surgical implantation, and validation of a pelvic orthosis in rats, designed to facilitate direct force application for brain-machine interface and rehabilitation research. The orthosis allows interaction with the rat's pelvis without perturbing normal stepping, bypassing issues associated with traditional methods like slings and cuffs, and enabling high-bandwidth mechanical coupling to a robot. Validation via kinematic analysis of stepping pre- and post-implantation demonstrated minimal impact on locomotion, confirming the orthosis's suitability for rehabilitative and augmentation device studies in both intact and spinal cord injury model rats.

Practical Implications

Robotics Integration

Facilitates the integration of robots for precise force application during rehabilitation and BMI experiments in rodents.

Improved Research

Allows for more accurate and controlled studies of motor control and rehabilitation strategies by directly interacting with the skeletal system.

Advancement of Therapies

Contributes to the development of new therapies and augmentation devices for spinal cord injury and other motor disorders.

Study Limitations

1
Aluminum, while sufficient for the study duration, may not offer the same osseointegration and biocompatibility as titanium.
2
The study focuses on intact rats; the effects may differ in spinalized rats, although the orthosis has been successfully implanted in them.
3
The implantation requires a trained surgeon to minimize perturbations and ensure proper placement.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Neurology