Voluntary Running Attenuates Age-Related Deficits Following SCI

Exp Neurol, 2008 · DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2007.10.019 · Published: March 1, 2008

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how aging affects recovery from spinal cord injuries (SCI) and whether exercise can help. It compares young and aged rats after SCI. The study found that aged rats recover slower from SCI compared to young rats and have more damage. However, exercise improved recovery in aged rats, making it similar to young rats. These findings suggest exercise can lessen the negative effects of aging on SCI recovery, potentially by reducing damage and improving myelin repair.

Study Duration

2 months post-injury

Participants

Young adult (n=12) and aged adult (n=18) male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Aged rats exhibit a delayed rate of locomotor recovery following SCI compared to young rats and demonstrate a greater degree of pathology and demyelination.
2
Exercise improves the locomotor recovery of injured aged rats, making it comparable to young rats, and is associated with reduced pathology and demyelination.
3
Exercise attenuates the age-related deficits following SCI, improving locomotor recovery, lessening the amount of pathology and demyelination, and improving remyelination.

Research Summary

The study examined locomotor recovery and myelin pathology in young and aged rats following contusion SCI, finding that aged rats had delayed recovery and greater pathology. Voluntary exercise, both pre- and post-injury, improved locomotor recovery in aged rats, making it comparable to young rats, and reduced pathology and demyelination. The study demonstrates that exercise can attenuate age-related deficits following SCI, suggesting a potential therapeutic intervention.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Exercise may be a viable therapeutic intervention to improve recovery from spinal cord injuries, particularly in older individuals.

Understanding Aging Effects

The study highlights the importance of considering age-related factors in SCI and the potential for interventions to mitigate these effects.

Neuroprotection Strategies

Further research into the mechanisms by which exercise provides neuroprotection could lead to the development of targeted therapies.

Study Limitations

1
The study examined the effects of chronic exercise prior to injury along with exercise post-injury.
2
Unable to determine whether pre- or post- injury exercise alone is sufficient in attenuating the age-associated deficits following contusion SCI.
3
The majority of deaths were associated with severe bladder infections despite an extensive bladder expression routine.

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