Change in Neuroplasticity-Related Proteins in Response to Acute Activity-Based Therapy in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2014 · DOI: 13.1310/sci2002-147 · Published: April 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Neuroplasticity Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Activity-based therapy (ABT) aims to improve motor and sensory function below the injury level in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) through repetitive training of specific movements. ABT may increase neuroplasticity in the spinal cord. This study examined the immediate changes in neuroplasticity-related proteins during ABT in individuals with SCI. Blood samples were taken before and after different ABT exercises to measure levels of BDNF, prolactin, and cortisol. The study found no immediate changes in BDNF or cortisol levels, but prolactin was significantly reduced after ABT. More research is needed to determine if different ABT intensities or exercises can increase BDNF levels in people with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

12 men and 3 women with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Baseline BDNF levels in participants were lower than those reported in previous research on individuals with SCI and healthy adults.
2
Acute ABT did not result in significant changes in BDNF or cortisol levels in individuals with chronic SCI.
3
Prolactin levels were significantly reduced in response to ABT in the study participants.

Research Summary

This study investigated the acute effects of activity-based therapy (ABT) on neuroplasticity-related proteins in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that a single 2-hour session of ABT, consisting of load bearing, body weight-supported treadmill training, whole body vibration, and functional electrical stimulation, did not result in significant changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or cortisol levels. Prolactin levels were significantly reduced in response to ABT, suggesting a potential impact on serotonergic activation during exercise in this population.

Practical Implications

Intensity and Modality Considerations

Future research should explore different intensities and modalities of ABT to determine their impact on serum BDNF levels in individuals with SCI.

Long-Term ABT Studies

Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the chronic effects of ABT on neuroplasticity-related proteins and functional outcomes in individuals with SCI.

Individualized ABT Protocols

Further research should investigate individual responses to ABT to optimize rehabilitation protocols and maximize neuroplasticity in persons with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The exercise performed in this study is typically implemented at facilities providing specialized rehabilitation to persons with SCI, and this exercise is of greater volume than most treatment options used in this population.
2
Changes in neuroplasticity-related proteins were measured during a single bout of ABT and not after chronic exercise training.
3
All participants were in the chronic stage of SCI, so it is unknown whether a single bout of ABT would elicit significant acute increases in BDNF in individuals with subacute injury.

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