EFFECTS OF ROBOTIC-LOCOMOTOR TRAINING ON STRETCH REFLEX FUNCTION AND MUSCULAR PROPERTIES IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY

Clin Neurophysiol, 2015 · DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2014.09.010 · Published: May 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of robotic-assisted step training (RAST) on neuromuscular abnormalities, specifically spasticity, in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study aims to characterize how these abnormalities recover with RAST by measuring stretch reflex and intrinsic stiffness in SCI patients. The findings suggest that RAST can effectively reduce these neuromuscular abnormalities, especially in subjects with higher initial levels of abnormality.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

46 ambulatory chronic SCI subjects

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
RAST reduces intrinsic and reflex stiffness magnitude and modulation with position in SCI subjects.
2
Subjects with larger baseline abnormalities exhibited larger reductions in stiffness over longer training periods.
3
Growth mixture modeling identified distinct recovery patterns for neuromuscular parameters in the RAST group.

Research Summary

The study quantitatively characterizes the therapeutic effects of RAST on neuromuscular properties in SCI subjects, focusing on reflex and intrinsic stiffness. GMM and RCR statistical techniques identified distinct recovery classes, showing significant decreases in stiffness over the 4-week training period in the RAST group. The findings suggest RAST benefits those with higher initial neuromuscular abnormalities, who also benefit from longer training periods.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Benefits of RAST

RAST can be used to reduce neuromuscular abnormalities associated with spasticity in SCI patients.

Personalized Training

Training protocols can be customized based on initial levels of neuromuscular abnormality to maximize benefits.

Predicting Treatment Effects

Techniques used in this study can characterize and predict the progress of changes to neuromuscular properties due to various interventions.

Study Limitations

1
The inability to separate short- and long-latency stretch reflex torque responses.
2
Limited similar studies to compare results regarding the influence of RAST on neuromuscular mechanical abnormalities associated with SCI.
3
Further investigations are needed to confirm the relationship between modulation of stretch reflex stiffness and functional improvement.

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