Long term eVects of locomotor training in spinal humans

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 2001 · DOI: · Published: July 1, 2001

Spinal Cord Injury Neuroplasticity Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigated the long-term effects of locomotor training on patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Patients with both complete and incomplete SCI participated in treadmill training with bodyweight support. The study found that leg extensor muscle activity increased significantly during the training period. This improvement was associated with enhanced locomotor ability in patients with incomplete SCI. Long-term follow-up showed that in patients with incomplete SCI, leg extensor EMG activity remained constant as long as they maintained regular locomotor activity. However, in patients with complete SCI, EMG activity significantly declined.

Study Duration

More than 3 years

Participants

32 patients with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Locomotor training improves leg extensor EMG activity in both complete and incomplete SCI patients during the training period.
2
In incomplete SCI patients, the improved EMG activity is maintained long-term if regular locomotor activity is continued.
3
In complete SCI patients, the benefits of locomotor training on leg extensor EMG activity diminish over time if locomotor activity is not maintained.

Research Summary

The study evaluated the long-term effects of locomotor training on leg extensor EMG activity in patients with complete and incomplete SCI. Results showed that regular locomotor training effectively improves locomotor activity in both patient groups, but long-term effects differ. Incomplete SCI patients maintained improved EMG activity with continued practice, while complete SCI patients experienced a decline when training stopped.

Practical Implications

Early Intervention

Locomotor training should be initiated early in incomplete SCI patients to maximize potential benefits and establish optimal conditions for regaining supraspinal control.

Maintenance of Activity

Continued locomotor activity is crucial for maintaining the benefits of locomotor training, particularly in incomplete SCI patients.

Future Therapies

The findings have implications for future interventional therapies aimed at promoting regeneration in complete SCI, where maintaining trained locomotor activity may be beneficial.

Study Limitations

1
The number of outpatient measurements and intervals varied due to patient availability.
2
The study focused primarily on gastrocnemius medialis muscle EMG activity.
3
Sample size was relatively small.

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