Use of quadrupedal step training to re-engage spinal interneuronal networks and improve locomotor function after spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT: Can lower limb motor function be improved after a spinal cord lesion by re-engaging functional activity of the upper limbs? We addressed this issue by training the forelimbs in conjunction with the hindlimbs after a thoracic spinal cord hemisection in adult rats. The spinal circuitries were more excitable, and behavioural and electrophysiological analyses showed improved hindlimb function when the forelimbs were engaged simultaneously with the hindlimbs during treadmill step-training as opposed to training only the hindlimbs. Neuronal retrograde labelling demonstrated a greater number of propriospinal labelled neurons above and below the thoracic lesion site in quadrupedally versus bipedally trained rats. The results provide strong evidence that actively engaging the forelimbs improves hin

SUBMITTER: Shah PK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3808689 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature