Sub-threshold spinal cord stimulation facilitates spontaneous motor activity in spinal rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epidural stimulation of the spinal cord can be used to enable stepping on a treadmill (electrical enabling motor control, eEmc) after a complete mid-thoracic spinal cord transection in adult rats. Herein we have studied the effects of eEmc using a sub-threshold intensity of stimulation combined with spontaneous load-bearing proprioception to facilitate hindlimb stepping and standing during daily cage activity in paralyzed rats.

Methods

We hypothesized that eEmc combined with spontaneous cage activity would greatly increase the frequency and level of activation of the locomotor circuits in paralyzed rats. Spontaneous cage activity was recorded using a specially designed swivel connector to record EMG signals and an IR based camcorder to record video.

Results and

SUBMITTER: Gad P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4016220 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature