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Bjørndal JR, Beck MM, Jespersen L, Christiansen L, Lundbye-Jensen J. Hebbian priming of human motor learning. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5126. [PMID: 38879614 PMCID: PMC11180091 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Motor learning relies on experience-dependent plasticity in relevant neural circuits. In four experiments, we provide initial evidence and a double-blinded, sham-controlled replication (Experiment I-II) demonstrating that motor learning involving ballistic index finger movements is improved by preceding paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation (PCMS), a human model for exogenous induction of spike-timing-dependent plasticity. Behavioral effects of PCMS targeting corticomotoneuronal (CM) synapses are order- and timing-specific and partially bidirectional (Experiment III). PCMS with a 2 ms inter-arrival interval at CM-synapses enhances learning and increases corticospinal excitability compared to control protocols. Unpaired stimulations did not increase corticospinal excitability (Experiment IV). Our findings demonstrate that non-invasively induced plasticity interacts positively with experience-dependent plasticity to promote motor learning. The effects of PCMS on motor learning approximate Hebbian learning rules, while the effects on corticospinal excitability demonstrate timing-specificity but not bidirectionality. These findings offer a mechanistic rationale to enhance motor practice effects by priming sensorimotor training with individualized PCMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Rud Bjørndal
- Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - Mikkel Malling Beck
- Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegård Allé 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lasse Jespersen
- Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Lasse Christiansen
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegård Allé 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jesper Lundbye-Jensen
- Movement & Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 51, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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van Helden JFL, Alexander E, Cabral HV, Strutton PH, Martinez-Valdes E, Falla D, Chowdhury JR, Chiou SY. Home-based arm cycling exercise improves trunk control in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury: an observational study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22120. [PMID: 38092831 PMCID: PMC10719287 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49053-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Arm cycling is used for cardiorespiratory rehabilitation but its therapeutic effects on the neural control of the trunk after spinal cord injury (SCI) remain unclear. We investigated the effects of single session of arm cycling on corticospinal excitability, and the feasibility of home-based arm cycling exercise training on volitional control of the erector spinae (ES) in individuals with incomplete SCI. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, we assessed motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the ES before and after 30 min of arm cycling in 15 individuals with SCI and 15 able-bodied controls (Experiment 1). Both groups showed increased ES MEP size after the arm cycling. The participants with SCI subsequently underwent a 6-week home-based arm cycling exercise training (Experiment 2). MEP amplitudes and activity of the ES, and movements of the trunk during reaching, self-initiated rapid shoulder flexion, and predicted external perturbation tasks were measured. After the training, individuals with SCI reached further and improved trajectory of the trunk during the rapid shoulder flexion task, accompanied by increased ES activity and MEP amplitudes. Exercise adherence was excellent. We demonstrate preserved corticospinal drive after a single arm cycling session and the effects of home-based arm cycling exercise training on trunk function in individuals with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joeri F L van Helden
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Emma Alexander
- The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Hélio V Cabral
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paul H Strutton
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Eduardo Martinez-Valdes
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Deborah Falla
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Joy Roy Chowdhury
- Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHSFT, Oswestry, UK
| | - Shin-Yi Chiou
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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3
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Campos B, Choi H, DeMarco AT, Seydell-Greenwald A, Hussain SJ, Joy MT, Turkeltaub PE, Zeiger W. Rethinking Remapping: Circuit Mechanisms of Recovery after Stroke. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7489-7500. [PMID: 37940595 PMCID: PMC10634578 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1425-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability, and there are few treatments that can improve recovery after stroke. Therapeutic development has been hindered because of a lack of understanding of precisely how neural circuits are affected by stroke, and how these circuits change to mediate recovery. Indeed, some of the hypotheses for how the CNS changes to mediate recovery, including remapping, redundancy, and diaschisis, date to more than a century ago. Recent technological advances have enabled the interrogation of neural circuits with ever greater temporal and spatial resolution. These techniques are increasingly being applied across animal models of stroke and to human stroke survivors, and are shedding light on the molecular, structural, and functional changes that neural circuits undergo after stroke. Here we review these studies and highlight important mechanisms that underlie impairment and recovery after stroke. We begin by summarizing knowledge about changes in neural activity that occur in the peri-infarct cortex, specifically considering evidence for the functional remapping hypothesis of recovery. Next, we describe the importance of neural population dynamics, disruptions in these dynamics after stroke, and how allocation of neurons into spared circuits can restore functionality. On a more global scale, we then discuss how effects on long-range pathways, including interhemispheric interactions and corticospinal tract transmission, contribute to post-stroke impairments. Finally, we look forward and consider how a deeper understanding of neural circuit mechanisms of recovery may lead to novel treatments to reduce disability and improve recovery after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baruc Campos
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Hoseok Choi
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Andrew T DeMarco
- Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
| | - Anna Seydell-Greenwald
- Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
- MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC 20010
| | - Sara J Hussain
- Movement and Cognitive Rehabilitation Science Program, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Mary T Joy
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
| | - Peter E Turkeltaub
- Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057
- MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC 20010
| | - William Zeiger
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
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4
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Grover FM, Chen B, Perez MA. Increased paired stimuli enhance corticospinal-motoneuronal plasticity in humans with spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol 2023; 129:1414-1422. [PMID: 36752493 PMCID: PMC10259851 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00499.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation (PCMS) has been used to enhance corticospinal excitability and functional outcomes in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we examined the effect of increasing the number of paired pulses on PCMS-induced plasticity. During PCMS, corticospinal volleys evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the hand motor cortex were timed to arrive at corticospinal-motoneuronal synapses of the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle 1-2 ms before the arrival of antidromic potentials elicited in motoneurons by electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve. We tested motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by TMS over the hand motor cortex and electrical stimulation at the cervicomedullary junction (CMEPs) in the FDI muscle before and after 180 paired pulses (PCMS-180) followed up by another 180 paired pulses (PCMS-360) in humans with and without chronic incomplete cervical SCI. The nine-hole-peg-test (9HPT) was measured before and after PCMS paired pulses in individuals with SCI. We found that the size of MEPs and CMEPs increased after PCMS-180 in both groups compared with baseline and further increased after PCMS-360 in participants with SCI, suggesting a spinal origin for these effects. Notably, in people with SCI, the time to complete the 9HPT decreased after PCMS-180 and further decreased after PCMS-360 compared with baseline but not when the 9HPT was repeated overtime. Our findings demonstrate that increasing the number of PCMS paired pulses potentiates corticospinal excitability and voluntary motor output after SCI, likely through spinal plasticity. This proof-of-principle study suggests that increasing the PCMS dose represents a strategy to boost voluntary motor output after SCI.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation (PCMS) has been used to enhance corticospinal excitability and functional outcomes in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we demonstrate that 360 paired pulses resulted in larger increases in motor-evoked potential size in a hand muscle and in a better ability to complete the nine-hold-peg-test compared with 180 paired pulses in people with SCI. This proof-of-principle study suggests that increasing the PCMS dose represents a strategy to boost motor output after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis M Grover
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Bing Chen
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Monica A Perez
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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Wiertel-Krawczuk A, Huber J, Szymankiewicz-Szukała A, Wincek A. Neurophysiological Evaluation of Neural Transmission in Brachial Plexus Motor Fibers with the Use of Magnetic versus Electrical Stimuli. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23084175. [PMID: 37112516 PMCID: PMC10146775 DOI: 10.3390/s23084175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The anatomical complexity of brachial plexus injury requires specialized in-depth diagnostics. The clinical examination should include clinical neurophysiology tests, especially with reference to the proximal part, with innovative devices used as sources of precise functional diagnostics. However, the principles and clinical usefulness of this technique are not fully described. The aim of this study was to reinvestigate the clinical usefulness of motor evoked potential (MEP) induced by a magnetic field applied over the vertebrae and at Erb's point to assess the neural transmission of brachial plexus motor fibers. Seventy-five volunteer subjects were randomly chosen to participate in the research. The clinical studies included an evaluation of the upper extremity sensory perception in dermatomes C5-C8 based on von Frey's tactile monofilament method, and proximal and distal muscle strength by Lovett's scale. Finally, 42 healthy people met the inclusion criteria. Magnetic and electrical stimuli were applied to assess the motor function of the peripheral nerves of the upper extremity and magnetic stimulus was applied to study the neural transmission from the C5-C8 spinal roots. The parameters of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) recorded during electroneurography and MEP induced by magnetic stimulation were analyzed. Because the conduction parameters for the groups of women and men were comparable, the final statistical analysis covered 84 tests. The parameters of the potentials generated by electrical stimulus were comparable to those of the potentials induced by magnetic impulse at Erb's point. The amplitude of the CMAP was significantly higher following electrical stimulation than that of the MEP following magnetic stimulation for all the examined nerves, in the range of 3-7%. The differences in the potential latency values evaluated in CMAP and MEP did not exceed 5%. The results show a significantly higher amplitude of potentials after stimulation of the cervical roots compared to potentials evoked at Erb's point (C5, C6 level). At the C8 level, the amplitude was lower than the potentials evoked at Erb's point, varying in the range of 9-16%. We conclude that magnetic field stimulation enables the recording of the supramaximal potential, similar to that evoked by an electric impulse, which is a novel result. Both types of excitation can be used interchangeably during an examination, which is essential for clinical application. Magnetic stimulation was painless in comparison with electrical stimulation according to the results of a pain visual analog scale (3 vs. 5.5 on average). MEP studies with advanced sensor technology allow evaluation of the proximal part of the peripheral motor pathway (between the cervical root level and Erb's point, and via trunks of the brachial plexus to the target muscles) following the application of stimulus over the vertebrae.
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Paired corticomotoneuronal stimulation of the preactivated ankle dorsiflexor: an open-label study of magnetic and electrical painless protocols. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:629-647. [PMID: 36637488 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06534-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Paired corticomotoneuronal stimulation (or electrical PCMS: ePCMS) is the repetitive pairing of an electrical stimulus to a nerve with a transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex (TMS-of-M1) to noninvasively influence spinal plasticity. We compared ePCMS with the new painless PCMS protocol pairing a magnetic stimulus to the nerve with TMS-of-M1 (mPCMS) in the preactivated tibial anterior muscle (TA). Sixteen healthy adults participated in two sessions (mPCMS, ePCMS), each with 180 pairs of [low-intensity TMS-of-M1 + nerve stimulation] at 0.2 Hz. TA motor-evoked potentials (MEP) to single-pulse TMS at pre-PCMS, immediately and 30 min after PCMS, were cluster-analyzed to discriminate responders and non-responders. Paired-pulse TMS-of-M1 and F-waves were also tested and BDNF polymorphism influence was explored. Both PCMS protocols significantly increased MEP amplitudes (n = 9 responders each), but the time-course differed with mPCMS inducing larger MEP increase over time. The number of BDNF-methionine carriers tended to be larger than Val66Val in mPCMS and the reverse in ePCMS, thus warranting further investigations. The MEP changes of the preactivated TA likely occurred at the pre-motoneuronal level and larger mPCMS after-effects over time may be related to the afferents recruited. mPCMS seems relevant to be tested in future studies as a painless noninvasive approach to induce sustained pre-motoneuronal plasticity in spinal cord injury.
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Koseki T, Kudo D, Yoshida K, Nito M, Takano K, Jin M, Tanabe S, Sato T, Katoh H, Yamaguchi T. Combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation increases motor cortical plasticity in healthy humans. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1034451. [PMID: 37091256 PMCID: PMC10115158 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1034451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionNeuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) induces neural plasticity of the central nervous system (CNS) and improves motor function in patients with CNS lesions. However, the extended stimulus duration of NMES reduces its clinical applicability. Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS), which increases afferent input, may enhance the effects and reduce the stimulus duration of NMES. This study investigated the excitability of the motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and spinal motor neurons after the combined stimulation of NMES and tsDCS.MethodsAmong the 55 participants in this study, 24 were allocated to experiment 1, 15 to experiment 2, and 16 to experiment 3. They received intervention for 20 min on different days: (1) NMES combined with tsDCS (NMES + tsDCS), (2) NMES combined with sham tsDCS (NMES + sham tsDCS), and (3) sham NMES combined with tsDCS (sham NMES + tsDCS). NMES was delivered to the right common peroneal nerve at 25 Hz with the intensity at 120% of the motor threshold. For tsDCS, the cathodal electrode was positioned on the thoracic 10th–12th vertebral levels, and the anodal electrode was located on the right shoulder. The stimulus intensity was 2.5 mA. In experiment 1, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and short-latency intracortical inhibition (SICI) were measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation up to 60 min after stimulation. The spinal motor neurons’ excitability was assessed by recording the posterior root muscle reflex (PRMR) induced via transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation in experiment 2, and the primary somatosensory cortex excitability was evaluated by recording the somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in experiment 3 up to 15 min after stimulation.ResultsCompared to before the stimulation, NMES + tsDCS significantly increased MEP for 60 min or more, and significantly decreased SICI immediately after. Conversely contrast, the PRMR significantly decreased immediately after, and SEPs were unchanged.DiscussionThese results suggest that simultaneous afferent inputs from different stimulus positions critically induce primary motor cortex plasticity. The combined stimulation of NMES with tsDCS may facilitate the development of a new neurorehabilitation technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadaki Koseki
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kudo
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Kaito Yoshida
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Nito
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Science, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Keita Takano
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Masafumi Jin
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Shigeo Tanabe
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Sato
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Katoh
- Department of Physical Therapy, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Yamaguchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tomofumi Yamaguchi,
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Anderson MA, Squair JW, Gautier M, Hutson TH, Kathe C, Barraud Q, Bloch J, Courtine G. Natural and targeted circuit reorganization after spinal cord injury. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:1584-1596. [PMID: 36396975 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and the circuits in the spinal cord that regulate neurological functions. The consequences are permanent paralysis, loss of sensation and debilitating dysautonomia. However, the majority of circuits located above and below the injury remain anatomically intact, and these circuits can reorganize naturally to improve function. In addition, various neuromodulation therapies have tapped into these processes to further augment recovery. Emerging research is illuminating the requirements to reconstitute damaged circuits. Here, we summarize these natural and targeted reorganizations of circuits after a spinal cord injury. We also advocate for new concepts of reorganizing circuits informed by multi-omic single-cell atlases of recovery from injury. These atlases will uncover the molecular logic that governs the selection of 'recovery-organizing' neuronal subpopulations, and are poised to herald a new era in spinal cord medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Anderson
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jordan W Squair
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthieu Gautier
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas H Hutson
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Kathe
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Quentin Barraud
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyne Bloch
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Courtine
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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9
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Dambreville C, Neige C, Mercier C, Blanchette AK, Bouyer LJ. Corticospinal Excitability Quantification During a Visually-Guided Precision Walking Task in Humans: Potential for Neurorehabilitation. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2022; 36:689-700. [PMID: 36125038 DOI: 10.1177/15459683221124909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The corticospinal tract has been shown to be involved in normal walking in humans. However, its contribution during more challenging locomotor tasks is still unclear. As the corticospinal tract can be a potential target to promote gait recovery after neurological injury, it is of primary importance to quantify its use during human walking. The aims of the current study were to: (1) quantify the effects of precision walking on corticospinal excitability as compared to normal walking; (2) assess if corticospinal modulation is related to task difficulty or participants' performance. Sixteen healthy participants walked on a treadmill during 2 tasks: regular walking (simple task) and stepping onto virtual targets (precision task). Virtual targets appeared randomly at 3 different step lengths: preferred, and ±20%. To assess corticospinal excitability, 25 motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the tibialis anterior muscle in each task during walking. Performance for each participant (global success score; % of target hit) and task difficulty related to step length adjustments (success score for each step length) were also calculated. MEP size was larger during the precision task in all participants (mean increase of 93% ± 72%; P < .05) compared to the simple task. There was a correlation between MEP facilitation and individual performance (r = -.64; P < .05), but no difference in MEP size associated with task difficulty (P > .05). In conclusion, corticospinal excitability exhibits a large increase during the precision task. This effect needs to be confirmed in neurological populations to potentially provide a simple and non-invasive approach to increase corticospinal drive during gait rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charline Dambreville
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Thematic Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Cécilia Neige
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Thematic Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,PsyR2 Team, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, INSERM U1028/CNRS UMR5292, Lyon Neurosciences Research Center, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Catherine Mercier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Thematic Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Andreanne K Blanchette
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Thematic Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Laurent J Bouyer
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Neuroscience Thematic Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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10
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Differences in sensorimotor and functional recovery between the dominant and non-dominant upper extremity following cervical spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2022; 60:422-427. [PMID: 35273373 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-022-00782-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Post hoc analysis of prospective multi-national, multi-centre cohort study. OBJECTIVE Determine whether cerebral dominance influences upper extremity recovery following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING A multi-national subset of the longitudinal GRASSP dataset (n = 127). METHODS Secondary analysis of prospective, longitudinal multicenter study of individuals with cervical SCI (n = 73). Study participants were followed for up to 12 months after a cervical SCI, and the following outcome measures were serially assessed - the Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension (GRASSP) and the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI), including upper extremity motor and sensory scores. Observed recovery and relative (percent) recovery were then determined for both the GRASSP and ISNCSCI, based on change from initial to last available assessment. RESULTS With the exception of prehension performance (quantitative grasping) following complete cervical SCI, there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) for observed and relative (percent) recovery, between the dominant and non-dominant upper extremities, as measured using GRASSP subtests, ISNCSCI motor scores and ISNCSCI sensory scores. CONCLUSION Despite well documented differences between the cerebral hemispheres, cerebral dominance appears to play a limited role in upper extremity recovery following acute cervical SCI.
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11
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Xu J, Lopez AJ, Hoque MM, Borich MR, Kesar TM. Temporal Profile of Descending Cortical Modulation of Spinal Excitability: Group and Individual-Specific Effects. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 15:777741. [PMID: 35197831 PMCID: PMC8859157 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.777741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorimotor control is modulated through complex interactions between descending corticomotor pathways and ascending sensory inputs. Pairing sub-threshold transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) modulates the Hoffmann’s reflex (H-reflex), providing a neurophysiologic probe into the influence of descending cortical drive on spinal segmental circuits. However, individual variability in the timing and magnitude of H-reflex modulation is poorly understood. Here, we varied the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) between TMS and PNS to systematically manipulate the relative timing of convergence of descending TMS-induced volleys with respect to ascending PNS-induced afferent volleys in the spinal cord to: (1) characterize effective connectivity between the primary motor cortex (M1) and spinal circuits, mediated by both direct, fastest-conducting, and indirect, slower-conducting descending pathways; and (2) compare the effect of individual-specific vs. standard ISIs. Unconditioned and TMS-conditioned H-reflexes (24 different ISIs ranging from −6 to 12 ms) were recorded from the soleus muscle in 10 able-bodied individuals. The magnitude of H-reflex modulation at individualized ISIs (earliest facilitation delay or EFD and individual-specific peak facilitation) was compared with standard ISIs. Our results revealed a significant effect of ISI on H-reflex modulation. ISIs eliciting earliest-onset facilitation (EFD 0 ms) ranged from −3 to −5 ms across individuals. No difference in the magnitude of facilitation was observed at EFD 0 ms vs. a standardized short-interval ISI of −1.5 ms. Peak facilitation occurred at longer ISIs, ranging from +3 to +11 ms. The magnitude of H-reflex facilitation derived using an individual-specific peak facilitation was significantly larger than facilitation observed at a standardized longer-interval ISI of +10 ms. Our results suggest that unique insights can be provided with individual-specific measures of top-down effective connectivity mediated by direct and/or fastest-conducting pathways (indicated by the magnitude of facilitation observed at EFD 0 ms) and other descending pathways that encompass relatively slower and/or indirect connections from M1 to spinal circuits (indicated by peak facilitation and facilitation at longer ISIs). By comprehensively characterizing the temporal profile and inter-individual variability of descending modulation of spinal reflexes, our findings provide methodological guidelines and normative reference values to inform future studies on neurophysiological correlates of the complex array of descending neural connections between M1 and spinal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alejandro J. Lopez
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Maruf M. Hoque
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael R. Borich
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Trisha M. Kesar
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Trisha M. Kesar
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12
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Zhang H, Liu Y, Zhou K, Wei W, Liu Y. Restoring Sensorimotor Function Through Neuromodulation After Spinal Cord Injury: Progress and Remaining Challenges. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:749465. [PMID: 34720867 PMCID: PMC8551759 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.749465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major disability that results in motor and sensory impairment and extensive complications for the affected individuals which not only affect the quality of life of the patients but also result in a heavy burden for their families and the health care system. Although there are few clinically effective treatments for SCI, research over the past few decades has resulted in several novel treatment strategies which are related to neuromodulation. Neuromodulation-the use of neuromodulators, electrical stimulation or optogenetics to modulate neuronal activity-can substantially promote the recovery of sensorimotor function after SCI. Recent studies have shown that neuromodulation, in combination with other technologies, can allow paralyzed patients to carry out intentional, controlled movement, and promote sensory recovery. Although such treatments hold promise for completely overcoming SCI, the mechanisms by which neuromodulation has this effect have been difficult to determine. Here we review recent progress relative to electrical neuromodulation and optogenetics neuromodulation. We also examine potential mechanisms by which these methods may restore sensorimotor function. We then highlight the strengths of these approaches and remaining challenges with respect to its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yaobo Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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13
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Nardone R, Sebastianelli L, Ferrazzoli D, Brigo F, Lochner P, Saltuari L, Trinka E, Versace V. Brain functional reorganization in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: Assessment with TMS and therapeutic perspectives. Neurophysiol Clin 2021; 51:391-408. [PMID: 34615605 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be a useful tool for the assessment of the brain functional reorganization in subjects with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). In this review, we performed a systematic search of all studies using TMS in order to explore the neuroplastic changes that occur in HCP patients. We aimed at investigating the usefulness of TMS to explore cortical excitability, plasticity and connectivity changes in HCP. Children with HCP due to unilateral lesions of the corticospinal system had ipsilateral motor evoked potentials (MEPs) similar to those recorded contralaterally. TMS studies demonstrated that occupational and constraint-induced movement therapy were associated with significant improvements in contralateral and ipsilateral corticomotor projection patterns. In addition, after intensive bimanual therapy, children with HCP showed increased activation and size of the motor areas controlling the affected hand. A TMS mapping study revealed a mediolateral location of the upper and lower extremity map motor cortical representations. Deficits in intracortical and interhemispheric inhibitory mechanisms were observed in HCP. Early hand function impairment correlated with the extension of brain damage, number of involved areas, and radiological signs of corticospinal tract (CST) degeneration. Clinical mirror movements (MMs) correlated with disability and CST organization in subjects with HCP and a positive relationship was found between MMs and MEPs strength. Therefore, TMS studies have shed light on important pathophysiological aspects of motor cortex and CST reorganization in HCP patients. Furthermore, repetitive TMS (rTMS) might have therapeutic effects on CST activities, functional connectivity and clinical status in children with HCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Nardone
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy; Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Salzburg, Austria; Karl Landsteiner Institut für Neurorehabilitation und Raumfahrtneurologie, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Luca Sebastianelli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Davide Ferrazzoli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Lochner
- Department of Neurology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Leopold Saltuari
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria; University for Medical Informatics and Health Technology, UMIT, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Viviana Versace
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Italy; Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
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14
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Berlet R, Anthony S, Brooks B, Wang ZJ, Sadanandan N, Shear A, Cozene B, Gonzales-Portillo B, Parsons B, Salazar FE, Lezama Toledo AR, Monroy GR, Gonzales-Portillo JV, Borlongan CV. Combination of Stem Cells and Rehabilitation Therapies for Ischemic Stroke. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1316. [PMID: 34572529 PMCID: PMC8468342 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation with rehabilitation therapy presents an effective stroke treatment. Here, we discuss current breakthroughs in stem cell research along with rehabilitation strategies that may have a synergistic outcome when combined together after stroke. Indeed, stem cell transplantation offers a promising new approach and may add to current rehabilitation therapies. By reviewing the pathophysiology of stroke and the mechanisms by which stem cells and rehabilitation attenuate this inflammatory process, we hypothesize that a combined therapy will provide better functional outcomes for patients. Using current preclinical data, we explore the prominent types of stem cells, the existing theories for stem cell repair, rehabilitation treatments inside the brain, rehabilitation modalities outside the brain, and evidence pertaining to the benefits of combined therapy. In this review article, we assess the advantages and disadvantages of using stem cell transplantation with rehabilitation to mitigate the devastating effects of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed Berlet
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA;
| | - Stefan Anthony
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA;
| | - Beverly Brooks
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (B.B.); (Z.-J.W.)
| | - Zhen-Jie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (B.B.); (Z.-J.W.)
| | | | - Alex Shear
- University of Florida, 205 Fletcher Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Blaise Cozene
- Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA;
| | | | - Blake Parsons
- Washington and Lee University, 204 W Washington St, Lexington, VA 24450, USA;
| | - Felipe Esparza Salazar
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Mexico; (F.E.S.); (A.R.L.T.); (G.R.M.)
| | - Alma R. Lezama Toledo
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Mexico; (F.E.S.); (A.R.L.T.); (G.R.M.)
| | - Germán Rivera Monroy
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte, Huixquilucan 52786, Mexico; (F.E.S.); (A.R.L.T.); (G.R.M.)
| | | | - Cesario V. Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (B.B.); (Z.-J.W.)
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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15
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A Time-Course Study of the Expression Level of Synaptic Plasticity-Associated Genes in Un-Lesioned Spinal Cord and Brain Areas in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury: A Bioinformatic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168606. [PMID: 34445312 PMCID: PMC8395345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
"Neuroplasticity" is often evoked to explain adaptation and compensation after acute lesions of the Central Nervous System (CNS). In this study, we investigated the modification of 80 genes involved in synaptic plasticity at different times (24 h, 8 and 45 days) from the traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), adopting a bioinformatic analysis. mRNA expression levels were analyzed in the motor cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum and in the spinal segments rostral and caudal to the lesion. The main results are: (i) a different gene expression regulation is observed in the Spinal Cord (SC) segments rostral and caudal to the lesion; (ii) long lasting changes in the SC includes the extracellular matrix (ECM) enzymes Timp1, transcription regulators (Egr, Nr4a1), second messenger associated proteins (Gna1, Ywhaq); (iii) long-lasting changes in the Motor Cortex includes transcription regulators (Cebpd), neurotransmitters/neuromodulators and receptors (Cnr1, Gria1, Nos1), growth factors and related receptors (Igf1, Ntf3, Ntrk2), second messenger associated proteins (Mapk1); long lasting changes in Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum include ECM protein (Reln), growth factors (Ngf, Bdnf), transcription regulators (Egr, Cebpd), neurotransmitter receptors (Grin2c). These data suggest the molecular mapping as a useful tool to investigate the brain and SC reorganization after SCI.
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16
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Bonizzato M, Martinez M. An intracortical neuroprosthesis immediately alleviates walking deficits and improves recovery of leg control after spinal cord injury. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/586/eabb4422. [PMID: 33762436 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb4422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Most rehabilitation interventions after spinal cord injury (SCI) only target the sublesional spinal networks, peripheral nerves, and muscles. However, mammalian locomotion is not a mere act of rhythmic pattern generation. Recovery of cortical control is essential for voluntary movement and modulation of gait. We developed an intracortical neuroprosthetic intervention to SCI, with the goal to condition cortical locomotor control. Neurostimulation delivered in phase coherence with ongoing locomotion immediately alleviated primary SCI deficits, such as leg dragging, in rats with incomplete SCI. Cortical neurostimulation achieved high fidelity and markedly proportional online control of leg trajectories in both healthy and SCI rats. Long-term neuroprosthetic training lastingly improved cortical control of locomotion, whereas short training held transient improvements. We performed longitudinal awake cortical motor mapping, unveiling that recovery of cortico-spinal transmission tightly parallels return of locomotor function in rats. These results advocate directly targeting the motor cortex in clinical neuroprosthetic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bonizzato
- Department of Neurosciences and Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central (GRSNC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1N8, Canada.,CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec H4J 1C5, Canada
| | - Marina Martinez
- Department of Neurosciences and Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central (GRSNC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1N8, Canada. .,CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec H4J 1C5, Canada
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17
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Shulga A, Lioumis P, Kirveskari E, Savolainen S, Mäkelä JP. A novel paired associative stimulation protocol with a high-frequency peripheral component: A review on results in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:3242-3257. [PMID: 33738876 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, a multitude of therapeutic approaches has been developed for spinal cord injury (SCI), but few have progressed to regular clinical practice. Novel non-invasive, cost-effective, and feasible approaches to treat this challenging condition are needed. A novel variant of paired associative stimulation (PAS), high-PAS, consists of non-invasive high-intensity transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and non-invasive high-frequency electrical peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). We observed a therapeutic effect of high-PAS in 20 patients with incomplete SCI with wide range of injury severity, age, and time since injury. Tetraplegic and paraplegic, traumatic, and neurological SCI patients benefited from upper- or lower-limb high-PAS. We observed increases in manual motor scores (MMT) of upper and lower limbs, functional hand tests, walking tests, and measures of functional independence. We also optimized PAS settings in several studies in healthy subjects and began elucidating the mechanisms of therapeutic action. The scope of this review is to describe the clinical experience gained with this novel PAS approach. This review is focused on the summary of our results and observations and the methodological considerations for researchers and clinicians interested in adopting and further developing this new method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Shulga
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki and Aalto University School of Science, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pantelis Lioumis
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki and Aalto University School of Science, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University School of Science, Espoo, Finland
| | - Erika Kirveskari
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki and Aalto University School of Science, Helsinki, Finland.,HUS Medical Imaging Center, Clinical Neurophysiology; Clinical Neurosciences, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sarianna Savolainen
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki and Aalto University School of Science, Helsinki, Finland.,Validia Rehabilitation Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jyrki P Mäkelä
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki and Aalto University School of Science, Helsinki, Finland
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18
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Calabrò RS, Billeri L, Ciappina F, Balletta T, Porcari B, Cannavò A, Pignolo L, Manuli A, Naro A. Toward improving functional recovery in spinal cord injury using robotics: a pilot study focusing on ankle rehabilitation. Expert Rev Med Devices 2021; 19:83-95. [PMID: 33616471 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2021.1894125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Conventional physical therapy interventions are strongly recommended to improve ambulation potential and upright mobility in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Ankle rehabilitation plays a significant role, as it aims to stem drop foot consequences.Research question: This pilot study aimed to assess the neurophysiological underpinnings of robot-aided ankle rehabilitation (using a platform robot) compared to conventional physiotherapy and its efficacy in improving gait performance and balance in persons with iSCI.Methods: Ten individuals with subacute/chronic iSCI (six males and four females, 39 ± 13 years, time since injury 8 ± 4 months, ASIA impairment scale grade C-D) were provided with one-month intensive training for robot-aided ankle rehabilitation (24 sessions, 1 h daily, six times a week). Clinical (10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG)), and electrophysiological aftereffects (surface-EMG from tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius muscles to estimate muscle activation patterns; and corticomuscular coherence-CMC-to assess functional synchronization between sensorimotor cortex and muscles, i.e. the functional integrity of corticospinal output) were assessed at baseline (PRE) and after the trial completion (POST). The experimental group (EG) data were compared with those coming from a retrospective control group (CG; n = 10) matched for clinical-demographic characteristics, who previously underwent conventional ankle rehabilitation.Results: the EG achieved a greater improvement in balance and gait as compared to the CG (TUG EG from 70 ± 18 to 45 ± 15 s, p = 0.002; CG from 68 ± 21 to 48 ± 18 s, p = 0.01; group-comparison p = 0.001; 10MWT EG from 0.43 ± 0.11 to 0.51 ± 0.09 m/s, p = 0.006; CG from 0.4 ± 0.13 to 0.45 ± 0.12, p = 0.01; group-comparison p = 0.006; 6 MWT EG from 231 ± 13 to 274 ± 15 m, p < 0.001; CG from 236 ± 13 to 262 ± 15 m, p = 0.003; group-comparison p = 0.01). Furthermore, the EG showed a retraining of muscle activation (an increase within proper movements, with a reduction of co-contractions) and CMC (beta frequency increase within proper movements, i.e. in a framework of preserved motor coordination). The improvements in CMC, gait, balance, and muscle activation were not correlated with each other.Conclusions: Robot-aided ankle rehabilitation improved gait performance by selectively ameliorating CMC, muscle activation patterns, and, lastly, gait balance and speed. Despite CMC, gait, balance, and muscle activation were not correlated, this pilot study suggests that robot-aided ankle rehabilitation may favor a better communication between above-SCI and below-SCI structures. This communication improvement may depend on a more synchronized corticospinal output (as per CMC increase) and a better responsiveness of below-SCI motorneurons to corticospinal output (as per specific and ankle movement focused muscle activation increases at the surface EMG), thus favoring greater recruitment of spinal motor units and, ultimately, improving muscle activation pattern and strength.Significance: Adopting robot-aided ankle rehabilitation protocols for persons with iSCI in the subacute/chronic phase may allow achieving a clinically significant improvement in gait performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luana Billeri
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Tina Balletta
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy
| | - Bruno Porcari
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Antonino Naro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy
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19
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Baltin ME, Sabirova DE, Kiseleva EI, Kamalov MI, Abdullin TI, Petrova NV, Ahmetov NF, Sachenkov OA, Baltina TV, Lavrov IA. Comparison of systemic and localized carrier-mediated delivery of methylprednisolone succinate for treatment of acute spinal cord injury. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:627-638. [PMID: 33388811 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05974-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Localized carrier-mediated administration of drugs is a promising approach to treatment of acute phase of spinal cord injury (SCI) as it allows enhanced and/or sustained drug delivery to damaged tissues along with minimization of systemic side effects. We studied the effect of locally applied self-assembling micellar formulation of methylprednisolone succinate (MPS) with trifunctional block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide (TBC) on functional recovery and tissue drug content after SCI in rats in comparison with local and systemic administration of MPS alone. Variations in the amplitude of motor evoked responses in the hindlimb muscles induced by epidural stimulation during acute phase of SCI and restoration of movements during chronic period after local vs. systemic application of MPS were evaluated in this study. Results demonstrate that local delivery of MPS in combination with TBC facilitates spinal cord sensorimotor circuitry, increasing the excitability. In addition, this formulation was found to be more effective in improvement of locomotion after SCI compared to systemic administration. LC-MS/MS data shows that the use of TBC carrier increases the glucocorticoid content in treated spinal cord by more than four times over other modes of treatment. The results of this study demonstrate that the local treatment of acute SCI with MPS in the form of mixed micelles with TBC can provide improved therapeutic outcome by promoting drug accumulation and functional restoration of the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim E Baltin
- Rehabilitation in Movement Disorders Laboratory, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya Str., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Diana E Sabirova
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya Str., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Elvira I Kiseleva
- Rehabilitation in Movement Disorders Laboratory, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya Str., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Marat I Kamalov
- Laboratory of Bioactive Polymers and Peptides, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 9 Parizhskoy Kommuny Str, Kazan, 420021, Russian Federation
| | - Timur I Abdullin
- Laboratory of Bioactive Polymers and Peptides, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 9 Parizhskoy Kommuny Str, Kazan, 420021, Russian Federation
| | - Natalia V Petrova
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, Lobachevsky Str., 2/31, Kazan, 420111, Russian Federation
| | - Nafis F Ahmetov
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya Str., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Oscar A Sachenkov
- Department of Theoretical Mechanics, Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya Str, Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Tatiana V Baltina
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya Str., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation.
| | - Igor A Lavrov
- Rehabilitation in Movement Disorders Laboratory, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya Str., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
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20
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Huot-Lavoie M, Ethier C, Ting W, Burns D. Assessment of Corticospinal Excitability in Awake Rodents Using EMG-Controlled Intracortical Stimulation. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4267. [DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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21
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Huo CC, Zheng Y, Lu WW, Zhang TY, Wang DF, Xu DS, Li ZY. Prospects for intelligent rehabilitation techniques to treat motor dysfunction. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:264-269. [PMID: 32859773 PMCID: PMC7896219 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.290884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
More than half of stroke patients live with different levels of motor dysfunction after receiving routine rehabilitation treatments. Therefore, new rehabilitation technologies are urgently needed as auxiliary treatments for motor rehabilitation. Based on routine rehabilitation treatments, a new intelligent rehabilitation platform has been developed for accurate evaluation of function and rehabilitation training. The emerging intelligent rehabilitation techniques can promote the development of motor function rehabilitation in terms of informatization, standardization, and intelligence. Traditional assessment methods are mostly subjective, depending on the experience and expertise of clinicians, and lack standardization and precision. It is therefore difficult to track functional changes during the rehabilitation process. Emerging intelligent rehabilitation techniques provide objective and accurate functional assessment for stroke patients that can promote improvement of clinical guidance for treatment. Artificial intelligence and neural networks play a critical role in intelligent rehabilitation. Multiple novel techniques, such as brain-computer interfaces, virtual reality, neural circuit-magnetic stimulation, and robot-assisted therapy, have been widely used in the clinic. This review summarizes the emerging intelligent rehabilitation techniques for the evaluation and treatment of motor dysfunction caused by nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Cong Huo
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University; Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids; Key Laboratory of Neuro-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineering of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Ya Zheng
- Rehabilitation Section, Spine Surgery Division of Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Wei Lu
- Rehabilitation Section, Spine Surgery Division of Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Teng-Yu Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids; Key Laboratory of Neuro-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineering of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Dai-Fa Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine; School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeng-Yong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids; Key Laboratory of Neuro-functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineering of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Beijing, China
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22
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Krupa P, Siddiqui AM, Grahn PJ, Islam R, Chen BK, Madigan NN, Windebank AJ, Lavrov IA. The Translesional Spinal Network and Its Reorganization after Spinal Cord Injury. Neuroscientist 2020; 28:163-179. [PMID: 33089762 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420966276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from preclinical and clinical research suggest that neuromodulation technologies can facilitate the sublesional spinal networks, isolated from supraspinal commands after spinal cord injury (SCI), by reestablishing the levels of excitability and enabling descending motor signals via residual connections. Herein, we evaluate available evidence that sublesional and supralesional spinal circuits could form a translesional spinal network after SCI. We further discuss evidence of translesional network reorganization after SCI in the presence of sensory inputs during motor training. In this review, we evaluate potential mechanisms that underlie translesional circuitry reorganization during neuromodulation and rehabilitation in order to enable motor functions after SCI. We discuss the potential of neuromodulation technologies to engage various components that comprise the translesional network, their functional recovery after SCI, and the implications of the concept of translesional network in development of future neuromodulation, rehabilitation, and neuroprosthetics technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Krupa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Peter J Grahn
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Riazul Islam
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bingkun K Chen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Igor A Lavrov
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
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23
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Awad LN, Lewek MD, Kesar TM, Franz JR, Bowden MG. These legs were made for propulsion: advancing the diagnosis and treatment of post-stroke propulsion deficits. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2020; 17:139. [PMID: 33087137 PMCID: PMC7579929 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-020-00747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in medical diagnosis and treatment have facilitated the emergence of precision medicine. In contrast, locomotor rehabilitation for individuals with acquired neuromotor injuries remains limited by the dearth of (i) diagnostic approaches that can identify the specific neuromuscular, biomechanical, and clinical deficits underlying impaired locomotion and (ii) evidence-based, targeted treatments. In particular, impaired propulsion by the paretic limb is a major contributor to walking-related disability after stroke; however, few interventions have been able to target deficits in propulsion effectively and in a manner that reduces walking disability. Indeed, the weakness and impaired control that is characteristic of post-stroke hemiparesis leads to heterogeneous deficits that impair paretic propulsion and contribute to a slow, metabolically-expensive, and unstable gait. Current rehabilitation paradigms emphasize the rapid attainment of walking independence, not the restoration of normal propulsion function. Although walking independence is an important goal for stroke survivors, independence achieved via compensatory strategies may prevent the recovery of propulsion needed for the fast, economical, and stable gait that is characteristic of healthy bipedal locomotion. We posit that post-stroke rehabilitation should aim to promote independent walking, in part, through the acquisition of enhanced propulsion. In this expert review, we present the biomechanical and functional consequences of post-stroke propulsion deficits, review advances in our understanding of the nature of post-stroke propulsion impairment, and discuss emerging diagnostic and treatment approaches that have the potential to facilitate new rehabilitation paradigms targeting propulsion restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis N Awad
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Michael D Lewek
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Trisha M Kesar
- Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jason R Franz
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mark G Bowden
- Division of Physical Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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24
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Christiansen L, Larsen MN, Madsen MJ, Grey MJ, Nielsen JB, Lundbye-Jensen J. Long-term motor skill training with individually adjusted progressive difficulty enhances learning and promotes corticospinal plasticity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15588. [PMID: 32973251 PMCID: PMC7518278 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72139-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor skill acquisition depends on central nervous plasticity. However, behavioural determinants leading to long lasting corticospinal plasticity and motor expertise remain unexplored. Here we investigate behavioural and electrophysiological effects of individually tailored progressive practice during long-term motor skill training. Two groups of participants practiced a visuomotor task requiring precise control of the right digiti minimi for 6 weeks. One group trained with constant task difficulty, while the other group trained with progressively increasing task difficulty, i.e. continuously adjusted to their individual skill level. Compared to constant practice, progressive practice resulted in a two-fold greater performance at an advanced task level and associated increases in corticospinal excitability. Differences were maintained 8 days later, whereas both groups demonstrated equal retention 14 months later. We demonstrate that progressive practice enhances motor skill learning and promotes corticospinal plasticity. These findings underline the importance of continuously challenging patients and athletes to promote neural plasticity, skilled performance, and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Christiansen
- Department of Nutrition Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.
| | - Malte Nejst Larsen
- Department of Nutrition Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mads Just Madsen
- Department of Nutrition Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Michael James Grey
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Jens Bo Nielsen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Lundbye-Jensen
- Department of Nutrition Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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Zheng Y, Mao YR, Yuan TF, Xu DS, Cheng LM. Multimodal treatment for spinal cord injury: a sword of neuroregeneration upon neuromodulation. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:1437-1450. [PMID: 31997803 PMCID: PMC7059565 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.274332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is linked to the interruption of neural pathways, which results in irreversible neural dysfunction. Neural repair and neuroregeneration are critical goals and issues for rehabilitation in spinal cord injury, which require neural stem cell repair and multimodal neuromodulation techniques involving personalized rehabilitation strategies. Besides the involvement of endogenous stem cells in neurogenesis and neural repair, exogenous neural stem cell transplantation is an emerging effective method for repairing and replacing damaged tissues in central nervous system diseases. However, to ensure that endogenous or exogenous neural stem cells truly participate in neural repair following spinal cord injury, appropriate interventional measures (e.g., neuromodulation) should be adopted. Neuromodulation techniques, such as noninvasive magnetic stimulation and electrical stimulation, have been safely applied in many neuropsychiatric diseases. There is increasing evidence to suggest that neuromagnetic/electrical modulation promotes neuroregeneration and neural repair by affecting signaling in the nervous system; namely, by exciting, inhibiting, or regulating neuronal and neural network activities to improve motor function and motor learning following spinal cord injury. Several studies have indicated that fine motor skill rehabilitation training makes use of residual nerve fibers for collateral growth, encourages the formation of new synaptic connections to promote neural plasticity, and improves motor function recovery in patients with spinal cord injury. With the development of biomaterial technology and biomechanical engineering, several emerging treatments have been developed, such as robots, brain-computer interfaces, and nanomaterials. These treatments have the potential to help millions of patients suffering from motor dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury. However, large-scale clinical trials need to be conducted to validate their efficacy. This review evaluated the efficacy of neural stem cells and magnetic or electrical stimulation combined with rehabilitation training and intelligent therapies for spinal cord injury according to existing evidence, to build up a multimodal treatment strategy of spinal cord injury to enhance nerve repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zheng
- Rehabilitation Section, Spine Surgery Division of Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye-Ran Mao
- Rehabilitation Section, Spine Surgery Division of Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ti-Fei Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Xu
- Rehabilitation Section, Spine Surgery Division of Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ming Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Spine Surgery Division of Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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26
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Thompson AK, Sinkjær T. Can Operant Conditioning of EMG-Evoked Responses Help to Target Corticospinal Plasticity for Improving Motor Function in People With Multiple Sclerosis? Front Neurol 2020; 11:552. [PMID: 32765389 PMCID: PMC7381136 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticospinal pathway and its function are essential in motor control and motor rehabilitation. Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes damage to the brain and descending connections, and often diminishes corticospinal function. In people with MS, neural plasticity is available, although it does not necessarily remain stable over the course of disease progress. Thus, inducing plasticity to the corticospinal pathway so as to improve its function may lead to motor control improvements, which impact one's mobility, health, and wellness. In order to harness plasticity in people with MS, over the past two decades, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have been examined for addressing common symptoms, such as cognitive deficits, fatigue, and spasticity. While these methods appear promising, when it comes to motor rehabilitation, just inducing plasticity or having a capacity for it does not guarantee generation of better motor functions. Targeting plasticity to a key pathway, such as the corticospinal pathway, could change what limits one's motor control and improve function. One of such neural training methods is operant conditioning of the motor-evoked potential that aims to train the behavior of the corticospinal-motoneuron pathway. Through up-conditioning training, the person learns to produce the rewarded neuronal behavior/state of increased corticospinal excitability, and through iterative training, the rewarded behavior/state becomes one's habitual, daily motor behavior. This minireview introduces operant conditioning approach for people with MS. Guiding beneficial CNS plasticity on top of continuous disease progress may help to prolong the duration of maintained motor function and quality of life in people living with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko K Thompson
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Thomas Sinkjær
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Lundbeck Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark
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27
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Mezes M, Havu R, Tolmacheva A, Lioumis P, Mäkelä JP, Shulga A. The impact of TMS and PNS frequencies on MEP potentiation in PAS with high-frequency peripheral component. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233999. [PMID: 32470028 PMCID: PMC7259644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Paired associative stimulation (PAS) combines transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) to induce plastic changes in the corticospinal tract. PAS employing single 0.2-Hz TMS pulses synchronized with the first pulse of 50–100 Hz PNS trains potentiates motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in a stable manner in healthy participants and enhances voluntary motor output in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. We further investigated the impact of settings of this PAS variant on MEP potentiation in healthy subjects. In experiment 1, we compared 0.2-Hz vs 0.4-Hz PAS. In experiment 2, PNS frequencies of 100 Hz, 200 Hz, and 400 Hz were compared. In experiment 3, we added a second TMS pulse. When compared with 0.4-Hz PAS, 0.2-Hz PAS was significantly more effective after 30 minutes (p = 0.05) and 60 minutes (p = 0.014). MEP potentiation by PAS with 100-Hz and 200-Hz PNS did not differ. PAS with 400-Hz PNS was less effective than 100-Hz (p = 0.023) and 200-Hz (p = 0.013) PNS. Adding an extra TMS pulse rendered PAS strongly inhibitory. These negative findings demonstrate that the 0.2-Hz PAS with 100-Hz PNS previously used in clinical studies is optimal and the modifications employed here do not enhance its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdolna Mezes
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Centre, Paracelsus Medical University and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Roope Havu
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Medical Imaging Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aleksandra Tolmacheva
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Medical Imaging Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pantelis Lioumis
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Medical Imaging Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University School of Science, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jyrki P. Mäkelä
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Medical Imaging Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anastasia Shulga
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Medical Imaging Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail:
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28
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Vastano R, Perez MA. Changes in motoneuron excitability during voluntary muscle activity in humans with spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:454-461. [PMID: 31461361 PMCID: PMC7052637 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00367.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The excitability of resting motoneurons increases following spinal cord injury (SCI). The extent to which motoneuron excitability changes during voluntary muscle activity in humans with SCI, however, remains poorly understood. To address this question, we measured F waves by using supramaximal electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the wrist and cervicomedullary motor-evoked potentials (CMEPs) by using high-current electrical stimulation over the cervicomedullary junction in the first dorsal interosseous muscle at rest and during 5 and 30% of maximal voluntary contraction into index finger abduction in individuals with chronic cervical incomplete SCI and aged-matched control participants. We found higher persistence (number of F waves present in each set) and amplitude of F waves at rest in SCI compared with control participants. With increasing levels of voluntary contraction, the amplitude, but not the persistence, of F waves increased in both groups but to a lesser extent in SCI compared with control participants. Similarly, the CMEP amplitude increased in both groups but to a lesser extent in SCI compared with controls. These results were also found at matched absolutely levels of electromyographic activity, suggesting that these changes were not related to decreases in voluntary motor output after SCI. F-wave and CMEP amplitudes were positively correlated across conditions in both groups. These results support the hypothesis that the responsiveness of the motoneuron pool during voluntary activity decreases following SCI, which could alter the generation and strength of voluntary muscle contractions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY How the excitability of motoneurons changes during voluntary muscle activity in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI) remains poorly understood. We found that F-wave and cervicomedullary motor-evoked potential amplitude, outcomes reflecting motoneuronal excitability, increased during voluntary activity compared with rest in SCI participants but to a lesser extent that in controls. These results suggest that the responsiveness of motoneurons during voluntary activity decreases following SCI, which might affect functionally relevant plasticity after the injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vastano
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Monica A Perez
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
- Shirley Ryan Ability Laboratory, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Hines Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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29
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Repeated transspinal stimulation decreases soleus H-reflex excitability and restores spinal inhibition in human spinal cord injury. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223135. [PMID: 31557238 PMCID: PMC6762874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous spinal cord or transspinal stimulation over the thoracolumbar enlargement, the spinal location of motoneurons innervating leg muscles, modulates neural circuits engaged in the control of movement. The extent to which daily sessions (e.g. repeated) of transspinal stimulation affects soleus H-reflex excitability in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) remains largely unknown. In this study, we established the effects of repeated cathodal transspinal stimulation on soleus H-reflex excitability and spinal inhibition in individuals with and without chronic SCI. Ten SCI and 10 healthy control subjects received monophasic transspinal stimuli of 1-ms duration at 0.2 Hz at subthreshold and suprathreshold intensities of the right soleus transspinal evoked potential (TEP). SCI subjects received an average of 16 stimulation sessions, while healthy control subjects received an average of 10 stimulation sessions. Before and one or two days post intervention, we used the soleus H reflex to assess changes in motoneuron recruitment, homosynaptic depression following single tibial nerve stimuli delivered at 0.1, 0.125, 0.2, 0.33 and 1.0 Hz, and postactivation depression following paired tibial nerve stimuli at the interstimulus intervals of 60, 100, 300, and 500 ms. Soleus H-reflex excitability was decreased in both legs in motor incomplete and complete SCI but not in healthy control subjects. Soleus H-reflex homosynaptic and postactivation depression was present in motor incomplete and complete SCI but was of lesser strength to that observed in healthy control subjects. Repeated transspinal stimulation increased homosynaptic depression in all SCI subjects and remained unaltered in healthy controls. Postactivation depression remained unaltered in all subject groups. Lastly, transspinal stimulation decreased the severity of spasms and ankle clonus. The results indicate decreased reflex hyperexcitability and recovery of spinal inhibitory control in the injured human spinal cord with repeated transspinal stimulation. Transspinal stimulation is a noninvasive neuromodulation method for restoring spinally-mediated afferent reflex actions after SCI in humans.
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30
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Jo HJ, Perez MA. Changes in motor-evoked potential latency during grasping after tetraplegia. J Neurophysiol 2019; 122:1675-1684. [PMID: 30673355 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00671.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The corticospinal pathway contributes to the control of grasping in intact humans. After spinal cord injury (SCI), there is an extensive reorganization in the corticospinal pathway; however, its contribution to the control of grasping after the injury remains poorly understood. We addressed this question by using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the hand representation of the motor cortex to elicit motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in an intrinsic finger muscle during precision grip and power grip with the TMS coil oriented to induce currents in the brain in the latero-medial (LM) direction to activate corticospinal axons directly and in the posterior-anterior (PA) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions to activate the axon indirectly through synaptic inputs in humans with and without cervical incomplete SCI. We found prolonged MEP latencies in all coil orientations in both tasks in SCI compared with control subjects. The latencies of MEPs elicited by AP relative to LM stimuli were consistently longer during power compared with precision grip in controls and SCI subjects. In contrast, PA relative to LM MEP latencies were similar between tasks across groups. Central conduction time of AP MEPs was prolonged during power compared with precision grip in controls and SCI participants. Our results support evidence indicating that inputs activated by AP and PA currents are engaged to a different extent during fine and gross grasping in humans with and without SCI.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanisms contributing to the control of hand function in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI) remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the latency of corticospinal responses elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation anterior-posterior induced currents, relative to latero-medial currents, was prolonged during power compared with precision grip in humans with and without SCI. Gross grasping might represent a stragegy to engage networks activated by anterior-posterior currents after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Jin Jo
- University of Miami, Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami, Florida.,Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Monica A Perez
- University of Miami, Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami, Florida.,Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
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31
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Ko CC, Tu TH, Wu JC, Huang WC, Cheng H. Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Spinal Cord Injury. Neurospine 2019; 16:728-738. [PMID: 30653905 PMCID: PMC6944993 DOI: 10.14245/ns.1836216.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI), with an incidence rate of 246 per million person-years among adults in Taiwan, remains a devastating disease in the modern day. Elderly men with lower socioeconomic status have an even higher risk for SCI. Despite advances made in medicine and technology to date, there are few effective treatments for SCI due to limitations in the regenerative capacity of the adult central nervous system. Experiments and clinical trials have explored neuro-regeneration in human SCI, encompassing cell- and molecule-based therapies. Furthermore, strategies have aimed at restoring connections, including autologous peripheral nerve grafts and biomaterial scaffolds that theoretically promote axonal growth. Most molecule-based therapies target the modulation of inhibitory molecules to promote axonal growth, degrade glial scarring obstacles, and stimulate intrinsic regenerative capacity. Among them, acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) has been investigated for nerve repair; it is mitogenic and pluripotent in nature and could enhance axonal growth and mitigate glial scarring. For more than 2 decades, the authors have conducted multiple trials, including human and animal experiments, using aFGF to repair nerve injuries, including central and peripheral nerves. In these trials, aFGF has shown promise for neural regeneration, and in the future, more trials and applications should investigate aFGF as a neurotrophic factor. Focusing on aFGF, the current review aimed to summarize the historical evolution of the utilization of aFGF in SCI and nerve injuries, to present applications and trials, to summarize briefly its possible mechanisms, and to provide future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Chu Ko
- Jhong Jheng Spine & Orthopedic Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsi Tu
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Ching Wu
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Cheng Huang
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Henrich Cheng
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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32
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Cortes M, Alias GG, Tansey KE. A "Snapshot" of the Advances in SCI Therapeutics. Neurotherapeutics 2018; 15:527-528. [PMID: 30083985 PMCID: PMC6095792 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-0654-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mar Cortes
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Burke Neurological Institute, 785 Mamaroneck avenue, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Guillermo Garcia Alias
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and CIBERNED, Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut Guttmann, Institut Universitari de Neurorehabilitació, Badalona, Spain
| | - Keith E Tansey
- Neurosurgery and Neurobiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- NeuroRobotics Lab, Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
- Spinal Cord Injury Clinic, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
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