Robot-applied resistance augments the effects of body weight supported treadmill training on stepping and synaptic plasticity in a rodent model of spinal cord injury

Neurorehabil Neural Repair, 2017 · DOI: 10.1177/1545968317721016 · Published: August 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether adding robotic resistance to body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) improves walking function after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Rats with spinal cord injuries were trained on treadmills with either horizontal or vertical robotic resistance. The study found that training with resistance improved stepping characteristics compared to standard BWSTT alone. The study also looked at how these different training methods affected synaptic plasticity in the spinal cord, finding that horizontal resistance particularly increased synaptic connections associated with step length.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

Forty female Sprague Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Training with horizontal resistance increased step length in spinally contused rats compared to standard BWSTT.
2
Training with vertical resistance enhanced step height and movement velocity, showing different adaptations based on the direction of resistance.
3
Synaptophysin expression in the ventral horn was highest in rats trained with horizontal resistance, suggesting increased synaptic connections correlated with step length.

Research Summary

This study investigated the impact of adding robotic-applied resistance to body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on locomotor function and synaptic plasticity in rats with spinal cord injuries. The results demonstrated that training with horizontal resistance increased step length, while training with vertical resistance enhanced step height and movement velocity, indicating that resistive forces augment the effects of BWSTT alone. The study also found that synaptophysin expression, a marker for synapses, was highest in rats trained with horizontal resistance, suggesting that resistive training influences spinal connections.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Rehabilitation Strategies

Integrating robotic resistance into BWSTT can lead to improved locomotor outcomes for individuals with SCI.

Targeted Training Approaches

Using vertical resistance may be particularly effective for addressing specific deficits such as foot clearance and reduced movement velocity.

Personalized Therapy Design

Careful control over the magnitude, direction, and timing of resistive forces is essential for maximizing the benefits of resistance training.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not assess whether treadmill training with resistive forces improved overground walking.
2
Normal step cycle number and cycle period were not restored by training with resistance.
3
The effects of resistive training may include other types of adaptations that were not examined here.

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