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Locomotor activity in spinal man

V Dietz1, G Colombo, L Jensen

  • 1Paraplegic Centre, University Hospital Balgrist, Zürich, Switzerland.

Lancet (London, England)
|November 5, 1994
PubMed
Summary
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External stimuli can activate spinal locomotor centers in paraplegia patients, enabling coordinated stepping. Training improved muscle activity and walking ability, suggesting new mobility strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Motor Control

Background:

  • Spinal cord injury often results in paraplegia, impairing voluntary motor control below the level of injury.
  • The potential for residual spinal circuitry to generate locomotor activity in individuals with paraplegia remains an area of active research.
  • Understanding the capacity of spinal locomotor centers to respond to external cues is crucial for developing effective rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the activation of spinal locomotor centers in patients with paraplegia using external stimuli.
  • To assess the effects of weight support and treadmill training on motor output and muscle activity.
  • To determine the potential for improving mobility in individuals with paraplegia through targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Participants with complete and incomplete paraplegia underwent a training program involving weight support and treadmill locomotion.
  • Electromyographic (EMG) activity of leg muscles was recorded to analyze the patterns of muscle activation during stepping.
  • Changes in EMG amplitude and patterns were monitored over the course of the training program.

Main Results:

  • Coordinated stepping movements were induced in patients with complete paraplegia through weight support and treadmill use.
  • Leg muscle EMG patterns during stepping resembled those of healthy individuals, albeit with smaller amplitudes.
  • Daily training led to increased gastrocnemius EMG activity and reduced inappropriate tibialis anterior activity.
  • Patients with incomplete paraplegia showed improved unsupported walking on a stationary surface after training.

Conclusions:

  • Spinal locomotor centers in patients with paraplegia can be activated by external stimuli like weight support and treadmill locomotion.
  • Locomotor training can modulate muscle activity patterns and enhance functional mobility in individuals with paraplegia.
  • These findings suggest promising new therapeutic approaches for improving walking ability and independence in paraplegic populations.