JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA, 2017 · DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4516 · Published: May 1, 2017
This study investigates how training affects the ability of individuals with complete spinal cord injuries to stand. It looks at the impact of both stand training and step training when combined with epidural stimulation. The research found that stand training improved standing ability, but subsequent step training impaired it. The type of muscle activity also changed with the different training types. The use of epidural stimulation was necessary for these changes, as training alone did not improve standing ability without it.
Task-specific training protocols should be carefully designed to avoid regression in specific motor functions such as standing when incorporating locomotor training.
Refining epidural stimulation parameters is crucial for maximizing motor function recovery in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Further research is needed to understand how different types of training impact spinal circuitry and motor learning in paraplegic individuals.