Skilled Reach Training Enhances Robotic Gait Training To Restore Overground Locomotion Following Spinal Cord Injury In Rats

Behav Brain Res, 2021 · DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113490 · Published: September 24, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how combining different types of rehabilitative training impacts recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Specifically, it looks at the effects of combining robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with skilled forelimb (reach) training on the recovery of overground locomotion. The researchers found that RAGT alone can partially improve overground locomotion after SCI. However, combining RAGT with skilled reach training led to a significantly greater improvement in overground locomotion compared to RAGT alone. The study also used MRI to examine changes in the spinal cord. Results suggested that the combined training approach may promote the formation of new connections around the injury site, contributing to the enhanced recovery.

Study Duration

7 Weeks

Participants

108 young adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) alone can partially reduce deficits in overground locomotion following spinal cord injury in rats.
2
Combining RAGT with skilled reach training leads to a greater level of recovery in unassisted overground locomotion compared to RAGT alone.
3
DTI suggested an increase in collateralization around the injury site in rats that received both reach training and robot assisted gait training.

Research Summary

This study investigates the impact of combining robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) and skilled reach training on locomotor recovery in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The findings indicate that while RAGT alone provides partial recovery, combining it with skilled reach training significantly enhances the restoration of unassisted overground locomotion. MRI results suggest that the enhanced recovery from combined training is associated with increased axonal collateralization around the injury site, indicating a more robust interneuronal relay network.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Rehabilitation Strategies

Combining locomotor training with injury-level training may improve ambulatory recovery in SCI patients.

Targeted Training Approaches

Rehabilitation strategies should be tailored to the injury level, such as reach training for cervical injuries or core exercises for thoracic injuries.

Neuronal Plasticity Promotion

Promoting interneuronal relays around the injury site could improve the efficacy of supraspinal drive bypassing the bottleneck.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not include a group exposed to only reach training.
2
The custom hopper design may have unintended effects on hindlimb loading.
3
Sham injury animals had altered stepping in the RRMPS and altered locomotion over the CatWalk

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