Novel multi-system functional gains via task specific training in spinal cord injured male rats

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Study investigated whether a step training paradigm could improve outcome measures of locomotion, bladder function, and pain/allodynia, using a severe contusion model of spinal cord injury (SCI) in male rats. Animals were randomly divided into two equal groups: one group received quadrupedal step training 1 hour a day for 12 weeks, beginning 2 weeks post-SCI, and the second group served as non-trained controls. Step training post-SCI resulted in significant multi-system functional gains. Beneficial outcomes after 3 months of daily quadrupedal step training sessions with manual assistance included improved bladder function, reduced at-level allodynia, and improved limb kinematics, gait, and hindlimb flexor-extensor bursting patterns relative to non-trained controls. These novel findings, demonstrating improved non-locomotor in addition to locomotor functions, suggest that step training post-SCI could contribute to multiple quality-of-life gains.

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