Effect of Velocity and Contact Stress Area on the Dynamic Behavior of the Spinal Cord Under Different Testing Conditions

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.762555 · Published: March 4, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how the speed and size of impact affect the spinal cord's behavior during injury. Researchers tested rat spinal cords by pressing on them with different-sized tools at various speeds. The spinal cords reacted differently depending on the speed and size of the impact. Higher speeds and larger contact areas led to greater force and faster reactions in the cord. These findings help us understand the complex mechanics of spinal cord injuries, which can inform better prevention and treatment strategies.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Female adult Sprague-Dawley rats (260–280 g), aged >10 weeks

Evidence Level

Ex vivo study

Key Findings

1
The spinal cord exhibits nonlinear viscoelasticity at small compression depths (less than 10% of its thickness).
2
Higher velocity and larger contact stress area resulted in a higher peak load and a more sensitive mechanical relaxation response.
3
The spinal cord became stiffer at higher velocities and softer with larger contact stress areas.

Research Summary

This study comprehensively characterized the dynamic behavior of rat spinal cord tissue and analyzed the biomechanical effect of velocity and contact stress area using indentation testing. The findings show that the spinal cord exhibits distinct nonlinear viscoelasticity and that higher velocity and larger contact stress area lead to a higher peak load and a more sensitive mechanical relaxation response. The study concludes that these findings will improve our understanding of the complex biomechanics involved in traumatic spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Improved SCI Understanding

The findings enhance understanding of real-time complex biomechanics involved in traumatic spinal cord injury.

Clinical Relevance

The study identifies a velocity threshold for spinal cord damage, suggesting that impact speed above this threshold causes additional injury.

Injury Prevention

The research helps in determining clinical biomechanical factors related to SCI in preclinical studies.

Study Limitations

1
Ex vivo analyses do not adequately represent in vivo conditions.
2
The geometry of the indenter might influence the results.
3
The 30 s of relaxation might not be enough to identify the long-term relaxation behavior.

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