Hindlimb Stretching Alters Locomotor Function Post-Spinal Cord Injury in the Adult Rat

Neurorehabil Neural Repair, 2015 · DOI: 10.1177/1545968314543500 · Published: March 1, 2015

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how daily hindlimb stretching affects recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Stretching is a common therapy for SCI patients, but its effects haven't been well-studied in animal models. The study found that daily stretching actually impaired locomotor recovery in rats with moderate SCI. The negative impact was greatest initially, but persisted even after stretching stopped. These results suggest that stretching, traditionally used to improve muscle length and joint range-of-motion after spinal cord injury, may delay and limit long-term functional locomotor recovery.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

19 young adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Daily hindlimb stretching significantly impaired functional recovery in rats with moderate spinal cord injury.
2
Stretched animals showed significant deficits in knee passive range of motion (ROM).
3
Kinematic assessment revealed decreased joint excursion during stepping, which partially recovered after week 5.

Research Summary

The study assessed the impact of daily hindlimb stretching on locomotor recovery in rats with moderate spinal cord injury. The stretching protocol was modeled on practices observed in a clinical setting of SCI management. Results indicated that stretching impaired functional recovery, reduced knee range of motion, and decreased joint excursion during stepping. The negative effects persisted even after the stretching intervention ceased. The findings suggest that while stretching is a common practice in SCI rehabilitation, it may not always be beneficial and could potentially hinder locomotor recovery in certain cases.

Practical Implications

Re-evaluate Stretching Protocols

Clinicians should reassess the routine application of stretching in SCI rehabilitation, especially in the acute phase, considering its potential negative impact on locomotor recovery.

Individualized Treatment Plans

Treatment plans should be tailored to individual patient needs and neurological status, rather than applying a standardized stretching protocol.

Monitor Motor Function Carefully

Clinical assessments of motor function may be influenced by stretch-based therapies and thus not provide an accurate view of neurological function.

Study Limitations

1
The majority of handlers were not trained therapists, and over-stretching may have occurred.
2
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not directly translate to human SCI patients.
3
Further studies are needed to refine and reassess the application of stretch as treatment only for patients that truly need it.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury