Disruption of Locomotion in Response to Hindlimb Muscle Stretch at Acute and Chronic Time Points after a Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA, 2017 · DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4227 · Published: February 1, 2017

Simple Explanation

After a spinal cord injury, many patients experience muscle contractures in their paralyzed limbs. Physical therapists often use stretching to prevent these contractures and maintain tissue flexibility. This study found that stretching can negatively impact locomotor recovery in rats with moderately severe spinal cord injuries, especially when initiated at chronic time points after the injury. The researchers speculate that stretching may interfere with the spinal cord's locomotor circuitry, hindering recovery in some patients.

Study Duration

5 weeks (acute), 4 weeks (chronic)

Participants

22 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Stretching acutely after SCI resulted in locomotor deficits in rats, with increased intensity of stretching leading to greater impairment.
2
Stretching initiated chronically after SCI caused dramatic decrements in locomotor function, with most animals exhibiting minimal movement.
3
Locomotor function recovered to control levels within 2 weeks after stretching ceased, and histological analysis revealed no overt muscle damage.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effects of hindlimb muscle stretching on locomotor function in rats with moderately severe spinal cord injuries (SCI) at both acute and chronic time points. The findings indicate that stretching can have detrimental effects on locomotor function, particularly when initiated at chronic time points after SCI. The researchers suggest that the neurological effects of muscle stretch warrant consideration as being potentially detrimental to the function of locomotor circuitry after SCI.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

The study suggests a need to re-evaluate the routine use of stretching in SCI rehabilitation, particularly at chronic stages.

Personalized Therapy

Consideration should be given to individual patient needs and the potential negative impacts of stretching on locomotor recovery.

Further Research

Further research is needed to understand the neurological mechanisms underlying the negative effects of stretching on locomotor function after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The forces applied during stretching were not measured, introducing a potential source of variability.
3
The study did not investigate the long-term effects of stretching beyond the recovery period.

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