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Activity-based Training on a Treadmill with Spinal Cord Injured Wistar Rats
Published on: January 16, 2019
Activity-dependent plasticity in spinal cord injury
James V Lynskey1, Adam Belanger, Ranu Jung
1Center for Adaptive Neural Systems, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-9709, USA.
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|June 21, 2008
Summary
Central nervous system (CNS) plasticity aids recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Rehabilitation strategies leverage this neuroplasticity to improve sensorimotor function by promoting adaptive changes and reducing maladaptive ones.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
Background:
- The adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) exhibits significant plasticity.
- Spinal neurotrauma can impact the extent of neuroplasticity and functional recovery.
- Rehabilitation focuses on modulating CNS plasticity for functional regain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review CNS plasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI).
- To discuss spontaneous and therapy-induced neuroplasticity.
- To explore how rehabilitation influences neuroplasticity for sensorimotor recovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CNS plasticity and SCI rehabilitation.
- Analysis of factors influencing neuroplasticity post-injury.
- Examination of various rehabilitation strategies and their impact.
Main Results:
- Rehabilitation strategies enhance sensorimotor recovery after SCI.
- These strategies promote adaptive structural and functional plasticity.
- Interventions help mitigate maladaptive changes in the neuraxis.
Conclusions:
- CNS plasticity is crucial for recovery following spinal cord injury.
- Rehabilitative interventions effectively harness neuroplasticity.
- Understanding and applying principles of neuroplasticity are key to improving outcomes in SCI patients.
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