Breaking Mental Barriers Promotes Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

This study investigates whether combining gabapentin (GBP) with treadmill training maximizes recovery in mice after spinal cord injury (SCI). Gabapentinoids are drugs used to treat neuropathic pain. The researchers found that while GBP alone helps mice recover forelimb function, adding treadmill training did not provide additional benefits. Surprisingly, even mice given a placebo (vehicle) did not show extra improvement with treadmill training. The study also reveals that mice on GBP were more motivated to participate in treadmill exercises, had increased neurogenesis, and exhibited less anxiety after SCI, suggesting GBP helps with mental health aspects of recovery.

• 1
  Voluntary treadmill training did not enhance forelimb recovery in mice after cervical SCI, regardless of whether they were administered GBP or vehicle.
• 2
  Mice administered GBP showed consistent engagement in the treadmill training protocol, while those administered vehicle exhibited a decline in participation over time, especially at chronic time points.
• 3
  GBP administration promoted hippocampal neurogenesis and reduced anxiety-like behavior in SCI mice, indicating a positive impact on mental health post-injury.