Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
07:28
Using the MouseWalker to Quantify Locomotor Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: March 24, 2023
Activity-dependent plasticity of spinal locomotion: implications for sensory processing.
V Reggie Edgerton1, Roland R Roy
1Department of Physiological Science, Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 90095, USA. vre@ucla.edu
Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
|December 4, 2009
Summary
Mammalian spinal cords can generate hind limb locomotion independently. Interventions like epidural stimulation are needed to restore this ability after spinal cord injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
Background:
- The lumbosacral spinal cord possesses intrinsic neural circuitry for hind limb locomotion.
- This circuitry requires external modulation to function optimally, especially after injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for accessing and modulating spinal cord circuitry.
- To facilitate recovery of weight-bearing locomotion post-spinal cord injury.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacological interventions
- Epidural stimulation
- Locomotor training
Main Results:
- These interventions can modulate the spinal circuitry.
- Recovery of full weight-bearing locomotion is achievable.
Conclusions:
- The intrinsic locomotor capacity of the spinal cord can be harnessed.
- Combined interventions are key to restoring locomotion after spinal cord injury.
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