title: Training-Induced Functional Gains following SCI.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Frazier Rehab Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Herrity
authors.affiliation: Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Frazier Rehab Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Harkema
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Hubscher
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D013997:Time Factors