Training-Induced Functional Gains following SCI

We previously demonstrated that daily, hour-long training sessions significantly improved both locomotor (limb kinematics, gait, and hindlimb flexor-extensor bursting patterns) and nonlocomotor (bladder function and at-level mechanical allodynia) functions following a moderate contusive spinal cord...

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Main Authors: P. J. Ward, A. N. Herrity, S. J. Harkema, C. H. Hubscher
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2016-01-01
Series:Neural Plasticity
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/4307694
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spelling doaj-72b94c0d3cac4a8e90eab7ad6703e2792020-11-24T23:04:52ZengHindawi LimitedNeural Plasticity2090-59041687-54432016-01-01201610.1155/2016/43076944307694Training-Induced Functional Gains following SCIP. J. Ward0A. N. Herrity1S. J. Harkema2C. H. Hubscher3Department of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USADepartment of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USAKentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USADepartment of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USAWe previously demonstrated that daily, hour-long training sessions significantly improved both locomotor (limb kinematics, gait, and hindlimb flexor-extensor bursting patterns) and nonlocomotor (bladder function and at-level mechanical allodynia) functions following a moderate contusive spinal cord injury. The amount of training needed to achieve this recovery is unknown. Furthermore, whether this recovery is induced primarily by neuronal activity below the lesion or other aspects related to general exercise is unclear. Therefore, the current study objectives were to (1) test the efficacy of 30 minutes of step training for recovery following a clinically relevant contusion injury in male Wistar rats and (2) test the efficacy of training without hindlimb engagement. The results indicate that as little as 30 minutes of step training six days per week enhances overground locomotion in male rats with contusive spinal cord injury but does not alter allodynia or bladder function. Thirty minutes of forelimb-only exercise did not alter locomotion, allodynia, or bladder function, and neither training protocol altered the amount of in-cage activity. Taken together, locomotor improvements were facilitated by hindlimb step training for 30 minutes, but longer durations of training are required to affect nonlocomotor systems.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/4307694
collection DOAJ
language English
format Article
sources DOAJ
author P. J. Ward
A. N. Herrity
S. J. Harkema
C. H. Hubscher
spellingShingle P. J. Ward
A. N. Herrity
S. J. Harkema
C. H. Hubscher
Training-Induced Functional Gains following SCI
Neural Plasticity
author_facet P. J. Ward
A. N. Herrity
S. J. Harkema
C. H. Hubscher
author_sort P. J. Ward
title Training-Induced Functional Gains following SCI
title_short Training-Induced Functional Gains following SCI
title_full Training-Induced Functional Gains following SCI
title_fullStr Training-Induced Functional Gains following SCI
title_full_unstemmed Training-Induced Functional Gains following SCI
title_sort training-induced functional gains following sci
publisher Hindawi Limited
series Neural Plasticity
issn 2090-5904
1687-5443
publishDate 2016-01-01
description We previously demonstrated that daily, hour-long training sessions significantly improved both locomotor (limb kinematics, gait, and hindlimb flexor-extensor bursting patterns) and nonlocomotor (bladder function and at-level mechanical allodynia) functions following a moderate contusive spinal cord injury. The amount of training needed to achieve this recovery is unknown. Furthermore, whether this recovery is induced primarily by neuronal activity below the lesion or other aspects related to general exercise is unclear. Therefore, the current study objectives were to (1) test the efficacy of 30 minutes of step training for recovery following a clinically relevant contusion injury in male Wistar rats and (2) test the efficacy of training without hindlimb engagement. The results indicate that as little as 30 minutes of step training six days per week enhances overground locomotion in male rats with contusive spinal cord injury but does not alter allodynia or bladder function. Thirty minutes of forelimb-only exercise did not alter locomotion, allodynia, or bladder function, and neither training protocol altered the amount of in-cage activity. Taken together, locomotor improvements were facilitated by hindlimb step training for 30 minutes, but longer durations of training are required to affect nonlocomotor systems.
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/4307694
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