Training-Induced Functional Gains following SCI

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Patricia Ward, Emory University; A.N. Herrity, University of Louisville; S.J. Harkema, University of Louisville; C.H. Hubscher, University of Louisville
• Language: English
• Date: 2016-01-01
• Publisher: Hindawi
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2016 P. J. Ward et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/4307694
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Neural Plasticity
• ISSN: 2090-5904
• Volume: 2016
• Start Page: 4307694
• End Page: 4307694
• Grant/Funding Information: This work is supported by grants from the NIH NCRR Grant RR015576 (C. H. Hubscher), NRSA Grant F31NS070329 (P. J. Ward), and Department of Defense (C. H. Hubscher).
• Keywords: LOCOMOTOR RECOVERY; AT-LEVEL ALLODYNIA; Science & Technology; DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY; RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL; SINGLE-BLIND; COMPRESSION-INJURY; SPINAL-CORD-INJURY; CONTUSED RATS; Neurosciences & Neurology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; ADULT-RAT; Neurosciences; AEROBIC EXERCISE
• Research Categories: Biology, Neuroscience; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

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.