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Xie T, Leng Y, Xu P, Li L, Song R. Mapping of spastic muscle activity after stroke: difference between passive stretch and active contraction. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:102. [PMID: 38877589 PMCID: PMC11177522 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01376-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating the spatial distribution of muscle activity would facilitate understanding the underlying mechanism of spasticity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of spastic muscles during passive stretch and active contraction by high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG). METHODS Fourteen spastic hemiparetic subjects and ten healthy subjects were recruited. The biceps brachii (BB) muscle activity of each subject was recorded by HD-sEMG during passive stretch at four stretch velocities (10, 60, 120, 180˚/s) and active contraction at three submaximal contraction levels (20, 50, 80%MVC). The intensity and spatial distribution of the BB activity were compared by the means of two-way analysis of variance, independent sample t-test, and paired sample t-test. RESULTS Compared with healthy subjects, spastic hemiparetic subjects showed significantly higher intensity with velocity-dependent heterogeneous activation during passive stretch and more lateral and proximal activation distribution during active contraction. In addition, spastic hemiparetic subjects displayed almost non-overlapping activation areas during passive stretch and active contraction. The activation distribution of passive stretch was more distal when compared with the active contraction. CONCLUSIONS These alterations of the BB activity could be the consequence of deficits in the descending central control after stroke. The complementary spatial distribution of spastic BB activity reflected their opposite motor units (MUs) recruitment patterns between passive stretch and active contraction. This HD-sEMG study provides new neurophysiological evidence for the spatial relationship of spastic BB activity between passive stretch and active contraction, advancing our knowledge on the mechanism of spasticity. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR2000032245.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Xie
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yan Leng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Pan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Le Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China.
| | - Rong Song
- Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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2
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Sangari S, Chen B, Grover F, Salsabili H, Sheth M, Gohil K, Hobbs S, Olson A, Eisner-Janowicz I, Anschel A, Kim K, Chen D, Kessler A, Heinemann AW, Oudega M, Kwon BK, Kirshblum S, Guest JD, Perez MA. Spasticity Predicts Motor Recovery for Patients with Subacute Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury. Ann Neurol 2023; 95:71-86. [PMID: 37606612 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the loss of voluntary motor control below the point of injury. Some of these patients can regain partial motor function through inpatient rehabilitation; however, there is currently no biomarker to easily identify which patients have this potential. Evidence indicates that spasticity could be that marker. Patients with motor complete SCI who exhibit spasticity show preservation of descending motor pathways, the pathways necessary for motor signals to be carried from the brain to the target muscle. We hypothesized that the presence of spasticity predicts motor recovery after subacute motor complete SCI. METHODS Spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale and pendulum test) and descending connectivity (motor evoked potentials) were tested in the rectus femoris muscle in patients with subacute motor complete (n = 36) and motor incomplete (n = 30) SCI. Motor recovery was assessed by using the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). All measurements were taken at admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. RESULTS We found that motor complete SCI patients with spasticity improved in motor scores and showed AIS conversion to either motor or sensory incomplete. Conversely, patients without spasticity showed no changes in motor scores and AIS conversion. In incomplete SCI patients, motor scores improved and AIS conversion occurred regardless of spasticity. INTERPRETATION These findings suggest that spasticity represents an easy-to-use clinical outcome that might help to predict motor recovery after severe SCI. This knowledge can improve inpatient rehabilitation effectiveness for motor complete SCI patients. ANN NEUROL 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bing Chen
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sara Hobbs
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Alan Anschel
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ki Kim
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David Chen
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Allison Kessler
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Allen W Heinemann
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Martin Oudega
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Brian K Kwon
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steven Kirshblum
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - James D Guest
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Monica A Perez
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, USA
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3
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Akalu Y, Frazer AK, Howatson G, Pearce AJ, Siddique U, Rostami M, Tallent J, Kidgell DJ. Identifying the role of the reticulospinal tract for strength and motor recovery: A scoping review of nonhuman and human studies. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15765. [PMID: 37474275 PMCID: PMC10359156 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the established postural control role of the reticulospinal tract (RST), there has been an increasing interest on its involvement in strength, motor recovery, and other gross motor functions. However, there are no reviews that have systematically assessed the overall motor function of the RST. Therefore, we aimed to determine the role of the RST underpinning motor function and recovery. We performed a literature search using Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and Scopus to retrieve papers using key words for RST, strength, and motor recovery. Human and animal studies which assessed the role of RST were included. Studies were screened and 32 eligible studies were included for the final analysis. Of these, 21 of them were human studies while the remaining were on monkeys and rats. Seven experimental animal studies and four human studies provided evidence for the involvement of the RST in motor recovery, while two experimental animal studies and eight human studies provided evidence for strength gain. The RST influenced gross motor function in two experimental animal studies and five human studies. Overall, the RST has an important role for motor recovery, gross motor function and at least in part, underpins strength gain. The role of RST for strength gain in healthy people and its involvement in spasticity in a clinical population has been limitedly described. Further studies are required to ascertain the role of the RST's role in enhancing strength and its contribution to the development of spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonas Akalu
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research UnitDepartment of PhysiotherapySchool of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Human PhysiologySchool of MedicineUniversity of GondarGondarEthiopia
| | - Ashlyn K. Frazer
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research UnitDepartment of PhysiotherapySchool of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and RehabilitationNorthumbria UniversityNewcastleUK
- Water Research GroupNorth West UniversityPotchefstroomSouth Africa
| | - Alan J. Pearce
- College of Science, Health and EngineeringLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ummatul Siddique
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research UnitDepartment of PhysiotherapySchool of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mohamad Rostami
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research UnitDepartment of PhysiotherapySchool of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jamie Tallent
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research UnitDepartment of PhysiotherapySchool of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise SciencesUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
| | - Dawson J. Kidgell
- Monash Exercise Neuroplasticity Research UnitDepartment of PhysiotherapySchool of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health ScienceMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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Germann M, Baker SN. Testing a Novel Wearable Device for Motor Recovery of the Elbow Extensor Triceps Brachii in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0077-23.2023. [PMID: 37460228 PMCID: PMC10399611 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0077-23.2023] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
After corticospinal tract damage, reticulospinal connections to motoneurons strengthen preferentially to flexor muscles. This could contribute to the disproportionately poor recovery of extensors often seen after spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke. In this study, we paired electrical stimulation over the triceps muscle with auditory clicks, using a wearable device to deliver stimuli over a prolonged period of time. Healthy human volunteers wore the stimulation device for ∼6 h and a variety of electrophysiological assessments were used to measure changes in triceps motor output. In contrast to previous results in the biceps muscle, paired stimulation: (1) did not increase the StartReact effect; (2) did not decrease the suppression of responses to transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) following a loud sound; (3) did not enhance muscle responses elicited by a TMS coil oriented to induce anterior-posterior current. In a second study, chronic cervical SCI survivors wore the stimulation device for ∼4 h every day for four weeks; this was compared with a four-week period without wearing the device. Functional and electrophysiological assessments were repeated at week 0, week 4, and week 8. No significant changes were observed in electrophysiological assessments after paired stimulation. Functional measurements such as maximal force and variability and speed of trajectories made during a planar reaching task also remained unchanged. Our results suggest that the triceps muscle shows less potential for plasticity than biceps; pairing clicks with muscle stimulation does not seem beneficial in enhancing triceps recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Germann
- Institute of Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart N Baker
- Institute of Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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5
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Vucic S, Stanley Chen KH, Kiernan MC, Hallett M, Benninger DH, Di Lazzaro V, Rossini PM, Benussi A, Berardelli A, Currà A, Krieg SM, Lefaucheur JP, Long Lo Y, Macdonell RA, Massimini M, Rosanova M, Picht T, Stinear CM, Paulus W, Ugawa Y, Ziemann U, Chen R. Clinical diagnostic utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation in neurological disorders. Updated report of an IFCN committee. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 150:131-175. [PMID: 37068329 PMCID: PMC10192339 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The review provides a comprehensive update (previous report: Chen R, Cros D, Curra A, Di Lazzaro V, Lefaucheur JP, Magistris MR, et al. The clinical diagnostic utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation: report of an IFCN committee. Clin Neurophysiol 2008;119(3):504-32) on clinical diagnostic utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in neurological diseases. Most TMS measures rely on stimulation of motor cortex and recording of motor evoked potentials. Paired-pulse TMS techniques, incorporating conventional amplitude-based and threshold tracking, have established clinical utility in neurodegenerative, movement, episodic (epilepsy, migraines), chronic pain and functional diseases. Cortical hyperexcitability has emerged as a diagnostic aid in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Single-pulse TMS measures are of utility in stroke, and myelopathy even in the absence of radiological changes. Short-latency afferent inhibition, related to central cholinergic transmission, is reduced in Alzheimer's disease. The triple stimulation technique (TST) may enhance diagnostic utility of conventional TMS measures to detect upper motor neuron involvement. The recording of motor evoked potentials can be used to perform functional mapping of the motor cortex or in preoperative assessment of eloquent brain regions before surgical resection of brain tumors. TMS exhibits utility in assessing lumbosacral/cervical nerve root function, especially in demyelinating neuropathies, and may be of utility in localizing the site of facial nerve palsies. TMS measures also have high sensitivity in detecting subclinical corticospinal lesions in multiple sclerosis. Abnormalities in central motor conduction time or TST correlate with motor impairment and disability in MS. Cerebellar stimulation may detect lesions in the cerebellum or cerebello-dentato-thalamo-motor cortical pathways. Combining TMS with electroencephalography, provides a novel method to measure parameters altered in neurological disorders, including cortical excitability, effective connectivity, and response complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Vucic
- Brain, Nerve Research Center, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Kai-Hsiang Stanley Chen
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney; and Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - David H Benninger
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Switzerland
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo M Rossini
- Department of Neurosci & Neurorehab IRCCS San Raffaele-Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Benussi
- Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berardelli
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli; Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Currà
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Alfredo Fiorini Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Terracina, LT, Italy
| | - Sandro M Krieg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Technical University Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
- Univ Paris Est Creteil, EA4391, ENT, Créteil, France; Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Henri Mondor Hospital, AP-HP, Créteil, France
| | - Yew Long Lo
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, and Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Marcello Massimini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Rosanova
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Thomas Picht
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Cluster of Excellence: "Matters of Activity. Image Space Material," Humboldt University, Berlin Simulation and Training Center (BeST), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Cathy M Stinear
- Department of Medicine Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Walter Paulus
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Human Neurophysiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Japan
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Straße 27, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Chen
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital-UHN, Division of Neurology-University of Toronto, Toronto Canada
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Cho MJ, Yeo SS, Lee SJ, Jang SH. Correlation between spasticity and corticospinal/corticoreticular tract status in stroke patients after early stage. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33604. [PMID: 37115067 PMCID: PMC10145725 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the correlation between spasticity and the states of the corticospinal tract (CST) and corticoreticular tract (CRT) in stroke patients after early stage. Thirty-eight stroke patients and 26 healthy control subjects were recruited. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) scale after the early stage (more than 1 month after onset) was used to determine the spasticity state of the stroke patients. Fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fiber number (FN), and ipsilesional/contra-lesional ratios for diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) parameters of the CST and CRT after the early stage were measured in both ipsi- and contra-lesional hemispheres. This study was conducted retrospectively. The FA and FN CST-ratios in the patient group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .05), except for the ADC CST-ratio (P > .05). Regarding the DTT parameters of the CRT-ratio, the patient group FN value was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < .05), whereas the FA and ADC CRT-ratios did not show significant differences between the patient and control groups (P > .05). MAS scores showed a strong positive correlation with the ADC CRT-ratio (P < .05) and a moderate negative correlation with the FN CRT-ratio (P < .05). We observed that the injury severities of the CST and CRT were related to spasticity severity in chronic stroke patients; moreover, compared to the CST, CRT status was more closely related to spasticity severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jye Cho
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Namku, Taegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Seok Yeo
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, Dankook University, Dongnamgu, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Jun Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, Dankook University, Dongnamgu, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ho Jang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Namku, Taegu, Republic of Korea
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Germann M, Maffitt NJ, Poll A, Raditya M, Ting JSK, Baker SN. Pairing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Loud Sounds Produces Plastic Changes in Motor Output. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2469-2481. [PMID: 36859307 PMCID: PMC10082460 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0228-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Most current methods for neuromodulation target the cortex. Approaches for inducing plasticity in subcortical motor pathways, such as the reticulospinal tract, could help to boost recovery after damage (e.g., stroke). In this study, we paired loud acoustic stimulation (LAS) with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the motor cortex in male and female healthy humans. LAS activates the reticular formation; TMS activates descending systems, including corticoreticular fibers. Two hundred paired stimuli were used, with 50 ms interstimulus interval at which LAS suppresses TMS responses. Before and after stimulus pairing, responses in the contralateral biceps muscle to TMS alone were measured. Ten, 20, and 30 min after stimulus pairing ended, TMS responses were enhanced, indicating the induction of LTP. No long-term changes were seen in control experiments which used 200 unpaired TMS or LAS, indicating the importance of associative stimulation. Following paired stimulation, no changes were seen in responses to direct corticospinal stimulation at the level of the medulla, or in the extent of reaction time shortening by a loud sound (StartReact effect), suggesting that plasticity did not occur in corticospinal or reticulospinal synapses. Direct measurements in female monkeys undergoing a similar paired protocol revealed no enhancement of corticospinal volleys after paired stimulation, suggesting no changes occurred in intracortical connections. The most likely substrate for the plastic changes, consistent with all our measurements, is an increase in the efficacy of corticoreticular connections. This new protocol may find utility, as it seems to target different motor circuits compared with other available paradigms.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Induction of plasticity by neurostimulation protocols may be promising to enhance functional recovery after damage such as following stroke, but current protocols mainly target cortical circuits. In this study, we developed a novel paradigm which may generate long-term changes in connections between cortex and brainstem. This could provide an additional tool to modulate and improve recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Germann
- Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie J Maffitt
- Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Annie Poll
- Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Raditya
- Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Jason S K Ting
- Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart N Baker
- Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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Sydney-Smith JD, Koltchev AM, Moon LDF, Warren PM. Delayed viral vector mediated delivery of neurotrophin-3 improves skilled hindlimb function and stability after thoracic contusion. Exp Neurol 2023; 360:114278. [PMID: 36455639 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114278] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Intramuscular injection of an Adeno-associated viral vector serotype 1 (AAV1) encoding Neurotrophin-3 (NT3) into hindlimb muscles 24 h after a severe T9 spinal level contusion in rats has been shown to induce lumbar spinal neuroplasticity, partially restore locomotive function and reduce spasms during swimming. Here we investigate whether a targeted delivery of NT3 to lumbar and thoracic motor neurons 48 h following a severe contusive injury aids locomotive recovery in rats. AAV1-NT3 was injected bilaterally into the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius and rectus abdominus muscles 48-h following trauma, persistently elevating serum levels of the neurotrophin. NT3 modestly improved trunk stability, accuracy of stepping during skilled locomotion, and alternation of the hindlimbs during swimming, but it had no effect on gross locomotor function in the open field. The number of vGlut1+ boutons, likely arising from proprioceptive afferents, on gastrocnemius α-motor neurons was increased after injury but normalised following NT3 treatment, suggestive of a mechanism in which functional benefits may be mediated through proprioceptive feedback. Ex vivo MRI revealed substantial loss of grey and white matter at the lesion epicentre but no effect of delayed NT3 treatment to induce neuroprotection. Lower body spasms and hyperreflexia of an intrinsic paw muscle were not reliably induced in this severe injury model suggesting a more complex anatomical or physiological cause to their induction. We have shown that delayed intramuscular AAV-NT3 treatment can promote recovery in skilled stepping and coordinated swimming, supporting a role for NT3 as a therapeutic strategy for spinal injuries potentially through modulation of somatosensory feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared D Sydney-Smith
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Alice M Koltchev
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Lawrence D F Moon
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Philippa M Warren
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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Wang JX, Fidimanantsoa OL, Ma LX. New insights into acupuncture techniques for poststroke spasticity. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1155372. [PMID: 37089473 PMCID: PMC10117862 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1155372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
With the trend of aging population getting more obvious, stroke has already been a major public health problem worldwide. As a main disabling motor impairment after stroke, spasticity has unexpected negative impacts on the quality of life and social participation in patients. Moreover, it brings heavy economic burden to the family and society. Previous researches indicated that abnormality of neural modulation and muscle property corelates with the pathogenesis of poststroke spasticity (PSS). So far, there still lacks golden standardized treatment regimen for PSS; furthermore, certain potential adverse-events of the mainstream therapy, for example, drug-induced generalized muscle weakness or high risk related surgery somehow decrease patient preference and compliance, which brings challenges to disease treatment and follow-up care. As an essential non-pharmacological therapy, acupuncture has long been used for PSS in China and shows favorable effects on improvements of spastic hypertonia and motor function. Notably, previous studies focused mainly on the research of antispastic acupoints. In comparison, few studies lay special stress on the other significant factor impacting on acupuncture efficacy, that is acupuncture technique. Based on current evidences from the clinic and laboratory, we will discuss certain new insights into acupuncture technique, in particular the antispastic needling technique, for PSS management in light of its potential effects on central modulations as well as peripheral adjustments, and attempt to provide some suggestions for future studies with respect to the intervention timing and course, application of acupuncture techniques, acupoint selection, predictive and aggravating factors of PSS, aiming at optimization of antispastic acupuncture regimen and improvement of quality of life in stroke patients. More innovations including rigorous study design, valid objective assessments for spasticity, and related experimental studies are worthy to be expected in the years ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Xiang Wang
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jun-Xiang Wang,
| | | | - Liang-Xiao Ma
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- The Key Unit of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Evaluation of Characteristic Acupuncture Therapy, Beijing, China
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Abstract
Spasticity is characterized by an enhanced size and reduced threshold for activation of stretch reflexes and is associated with "positive signs" such as clonus and spasms, as well as "negative features" such as paresis and a loss of automatic postural responses. Spasticity develops over time after a lesion and can be associated with reduced speed of movement, cocontraction, abnormal synergies, and pain. Spasticity is caused by a combination of damage to descending tracts, reductions in inhibitory activity within spinal cord circuits, and adaptive changes within motoneurons. Increased tone, hypertonia, can also be caused by changes in passive stiffness due to, for example, increase in connective tissue and reduction in muscle fascicle length. Understanding the cause of hypertonia is important for determining the management strategy as nonneural, passive causes of stiffness will be more amenable to physical rather than pharmacological interventions. The management of spasticity is determined by the views and goals of the patient, family, and carers, which should be integral to the multidisciplinary assessment. An assessment, and treatment, of trigger factors such as infection and skin breakdown should be made especially in people with a recent change in tone. The choice of management strategies for an individual will vary depending on the severity of spasticity, the distribution of spasticity (i.e., whether it affects multiple muscle groups or is more prominent in one or two groups), the type of lesion, and the potential for recovery. Management options include physical therapy, oral agents; focal therapies such as botulinum injections; and peripheral nerve blocks. Intrathecal baclofen can lead to a reduction in required oral antispasticity medications. When spasticity is severe intrathecal phenol may be an option. Surgical interventions, largely used in the pediatric population, include muscle transfers and lengthening and selective dorsal root rhizotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Marsden
- School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
| | - Valerie Stevenson
- Department of Therapies and Rehabilitation, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery UCLH, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Jarrett
- Department of Neurology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, United Kingdom
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11
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Roumengous T, Thakkar B, Peterson CL. Paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation in the assessment of biceps voluntary activation in individuals with tetraplegia. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:976014. [PMID: 36405076 PMCID: PMC9669314 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.976014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), motoneuron death occurs at and around the level of injury which induces changes in function and organization throughout the nervous system, including cortical changes. Muscle affected by SCI may consist of both innervated (accessible to voluntary drive) and denervated (inaccessible to voluntary drive) muscle fibers. Voluntary activation measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation (VATMS) can quantify voluntary cortical/subcortical drive to muscle but is limited by technical challenges including suboptimal stimulation of target muscle relative to its antagonist. The motor evoked potential (MEP) in the biceps compared to the triceps (i.e., MEP ratio) may be a key parameter in the measurement of biceps VATMS after SCI. We used paired pulse TMS, which can inhibit or facilitate MEPs, to determine whether the MEP ratio affects VATMS in individuals with tetraplegia. Ten individuals with tetraplegia following cervical SCI and ten non-impaired individuals completed single pulse and paired pulse VATMS protocols. Paired pulse stimulation was delivered at 1.5, 10, and 30 ms inter-stimulus intervals (ISI). In both the SCI and non-impaired groups, the main effect of the stimulation pulse (paired pulse compared to single pulse) on VATMS was not significant in the linear mixed-effects models. In both groups for the stimulation parameters we tested, the MEP ratio was not modulated across all effort levels and did not affect VATMS. Linearity of the voluntary moment and superimposed twitch moment relation was lower in SCI participants compared to non-impaired. Poor linearity in the SCI group limits interpretation of VATMS. Future work is needed to address methodological issues that limit clinical application of VATMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Roumengous
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Bhushan Thakkar
- Department of Physical Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Carrie L. Peterson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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12
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Tapia JA, Tohyama T, Poll A, Baker SN. The Existence of the StartReact Effect Implies Reticulospinal, Not Corticospinal, Inputs Dominate Drive to Motoneurons during Voluntary Movement. J Neurosci 2022; 42:7634-7647. [PMID: 36658461 PMCID: PMC9546468 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2473-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reaction time is accelerated if a loud (startling) sound accompanies the cue-the "StartReact" effect. Animal studies revealed a reticulospinal substrate for the startle reflex; StartReact may similarly involve the reticulospinal tract, but this is currently uncertain. Here we trained two female macaque monkeys to perform elbow flexion/extension movements following a visual cue. The cue was sometimes accompanied by a loud sound, generating a StartReact effect in electromyogram response latency, as seen in humans. Extracellular recordings were made from antidromically identified corticospinal neurons in primary motor cortex (M1), from the reticular formation (RF), and from the spinal cord (SC; C5-C8 segments). After loud sound, task-related activity was suppressed in M1 (latency, 70-200 ms after cue), but was initially enhanced (70-80 ms) and then suppressed (140-210 ms) in RF. SC activity was unchanged. In a computational model, we simulated a motoneuron pool receiving input from different proportions of the average M1 and RF activity recorded experimentally. Motoneuron firing generated simulated electromyogram, allowing reaction time measurements. Only if ≥60% of motoneuron drive came from RF (≤40% from M1) did loud sound shorten reaction time. The extent of shortening increased as more drive came from RF. If RF provided <60% of drive, loud sound lengthened the reaction time-the opposite of experimental findings. The majority of the drive for voluntary movements is thus likely to originate from the brainstem, not the cortex; changes in the magnitude of the StartReact effect can measure a shift in the relative importance of descending systems.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our results reveal that a loud sound has opposite effects on neural spiking in corticospinal cells from primary motor cortex, and in the reticular formation. We show that this fortuitously allows changes in reaction time produced by a loud sound to be used to assess the relative importance of reticulospinal versus corticospinal control of movement, validating previous noninvasive measurements in humans. Our findings suggest that the majority of the descending drive to motoneurons producing voluntary movement in primates comes from the reticulospinal tract, not the corticospinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus A Tapia
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, C.P. 72000 Puebla, Mexico
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Takamichi Tohyama
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine I, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Annie Poll
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart N Baker
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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13
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Arora T, Desai N, Kirshblum S, Chen R. Utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the assessment of spinal cord injury: Current status and future directions. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:1005111. [PMID: 36275924 PMCID: PMC9581184 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.1005111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive assessment following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is needed to improve prognostication, advance the understanding of the neurophysiology and better targeting of clinical interventions. The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury is the most common clinical examination recommended for use after a SCI. In addition, there are over 30 clinical assessment tools spanning across different domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health that have been validated and recommended for use in SCI. Most of these tools are subjective in nature, have limited value in predicting neurologic recovery, and do not provide insights into neurophysiological mechanisms. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neurophysiology technique that can supplement the clinical assessment in the domain of body structure and function during acute and chronic stages of SCI. TMS offers a better insight into neurophysiology and help in better detection of residual corticomotor connectivity following SCI compared to clinical assessment alone. TMS-based motor evoked potential and silent period duration allow study of excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms following SCI. Changes in muscle representations in form of displacement of TMS-based motor map center of gravity or changes in the map area can capture neuroplastic changes resulting from SCI or following rehabilitation. Paired-pulse TMS measures help understand the compensatory reorganization of the cortical circuits following SCI. In combination with peripheral stimulation, TMS can be used to study central motor conduction time and modulation of spinal reflexes, which can be used for advanced diagnostic and treatment purposes. To strengthen the utility of TMS in SCI assessment, future studies will need to standardize the assessment protocols, address population-specific concerns, and establish the psychometric properties of TMS-based measurements in the SCI population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Arora
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Correspondence: Tarun Arora Robert Chen
| | - Naaz Desai
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Steven Kirshblum
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States,Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, West Orange, NJ, United States,Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States,Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Robert Chen
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN, Toronto, ON, Canada,Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Correspondence: Tarun Arora Robert Chen
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14
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Peotter JL, Pustova I, Lettman MM, Shatadal S, Bradberry MM, Winter-Reed AD, Charan M, Sharkey EE, Alvin JR, Bren AM, Oie AK, Chapman ER, Salamat MS, Audhya A. TFG regulates secretory and endosomal sorting pathways in neurons to promote their activity and maintenance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2210649119. [PMID: 36161950 PMCID: PMC9546632 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210649119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular pathways that intrinsically regulate neuronal maintenance are poorly understood, but rare pathogenic mutations that underlie neurodegenerative disease can offer important insights into the mechanisms that facilitate lifelong neuronal function. Here, we leverage a rat model to demonstrate directly that the TFG p.R106C variant implicated previously in complicated forms of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) underlies progressive spastic paraparesis with accompanying ventriculomegaly and thinning of the corpus callosum, consistent with disease phenotypes identified in adolescent patients. Analyses of primary cortical neurons obtained from CRISPR-Cas9-edited animals reveal a kinetic delay in biosynthetic secretory protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in agreement with prior induced pluripotent stem cell-based studies. Moreover, we identify an unexpected role for TFG in the trafficking of Rab4A-positive recycling endosomes specifically within axons and dendrites. Impaired TFG function compromises the transport of at least a subset of endosomal cargoes, which we show results in down-regulated inhibitory receptor signaling that may contribute to excitation-inhibition imbalances. In contrast, the morphology and trafficking of other organelles, including mitochondria and lysosomes, are unaffected by the TFG p.R106C mutation. Our findings demonstrate a multifaceted role for TFG in secretory and endosomal protein sorting that is unique to cells of the central nervous system and highlight the importance of these pathways to maintenance of corticospinal tract motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Peotter
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Iryna Pustova
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Molly M. Lettman
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Shalini Shatadal
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Mazdak M. Bradberry
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Allison D. Winter-Reed
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Maya Charan
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Erin E. Sharkey
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - James R. Alvin
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Alyssa M. Bren
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Annika K. Oie
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Edwin R. Chapman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
- HHMI, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705
| | - M. Shahriar Salamat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
| | - Anjon Audhya
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705
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15
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Yu H, Chen D, Jiang H, Fu G, Yang Y, Deng Z, Chen Y, Zheng Q. Brain morphology changes after spinal cord injury: A voxel-based meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:999375. [PMID: 36119697 PMCID: PMC9477418 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.999375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Spinal cord injury (SCI) remodels the brain structure and alters brain function. To identify specific changes in brain gray matter volume (GMV) and white matter volume (WMV) following SCI, we conducted a voxel-based meta-analysis of whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies. Methods We performed a comprehensive literature search on VBM studies that compared SCI patients and healthy controls in PubMed, Web of Science and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure from 1980 to April 2022. Then, we conducted a voxel-based meta-analysis using seed-based d mapping with permutation of subject images (SDM-PSI). Meta-regression analysis was performed to identify the effects of clinical characteristics. Results Our study collected 20 studies with 22 GMV datasets and 15 WMV datasets, including 410 patients and 406 healthy controls. Compared with healthy controls, SCI patients showed significant GMV loss in the left insula and bilateral thalamus and significant WMV loss in the bilateral corticospinal tract (CST). Additionally, a higher motor score and pinprick score were positively related to greater GMV in the right postcentral gyrus, whereas a positive relationship was observed between the light touch score and the bilateral postcentral gyrus. Conclusion Atrophy in the thalamus and bilateral CST suggest that SCI may trigger neurodegeneration changes in the sensory and motor pathways. Furthermore, atrophy of the left insula may indicate depression and neuropathic pain in SCI patients. These indicators of structural abnormalities could serve as neuroimaging biomarkers for evaluating the prognosis and treatment effect, as well as for monitoring disease progression. The application of neuroimaging biomarkers in the brain for SCI may also lead to personalized treatment strategies. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021279716, identifier: CRD42021279716.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Duanyong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangtao Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhantao Deng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanfeng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Research Department of Medical Science, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qiujian Zheng
| | - Qiujian Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Yuanfeng Chen
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16
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Sangari S, Perez MA. Prevalence of spasticity in humans with spinal cord injury with different injury severity. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:470-479. [PMID: 35507475 PMCID: PMC9423778 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00126.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms manifested following spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of this study was to assess spasticity in individuals with subacute and chronic SCI with different injury severity, standardizing the time and assessments of spasticity. We tested 110 individuals with SCI classified by the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) as either motor complete (AIS A and B; subacute, n = 25; chronic, n = 33) or motor incomplete (AIS C and D; subacute, n = 23; chronic, n = 29) at a similar time after injury (subacute, ∼1 mo after injury during inpatient rehabilitation and chronic, ≥1 yr after injury) using clinical (modified Ashworth scale) and kinematic (pendulum test) outcomes to assess spasticity in the quadriceps femoris muscle. Using both methodologies, we found that among individuals with subacute motor complete injuries, only a minority showed spasticity, whereas the majority exhibited no spasticity. This finding stands in contrast to individuals with subacute motor incomplete injury, where both methodologies revealed that a majority exhibited spasticity, whereas a minority exhibited no spasticity. In chronic injuries, most individuals showed spasticity regardless of injury severity. Notably, when spasticity was present, its magnitude was similar across injury severity in both subacute and chronic injuries. Our results suggest that the prevalence, not the magnitude, of spasticity differs between individuals with motor complete and incomplete SCI in the subacute and chronic stages of the injury. We thus argue that considering the "presence of spasticity" might help the stratification of participants with motor complete injuries for clinical trials.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The prevalence of spasticity in humans with SCI remains poorly understood. Using kinematic and clinical outcomes, we examined spasticity in individuals with subacute and chronic injuries of different severity. We found that spasticity in the quadriceps femoris muscle was more prevalent among individuals with subacute motor incomplete than in those with motor complete injuries. However, in a different group of individuals with chronic injuries, no differences were found in the prevalence of spasticity across injury severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica A Perez
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Edward Hines Jr., VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois
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17
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The effects of slow breathing on postural muscles during standing perturbations in young adults. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:2623-2631. [PMID: 35962803 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06437-0] [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: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining standing balance is vital to completing activities in daily living. Recent findings suggest an interaction between cardiovascular and postural control systems. Volitional slow breathing can modulate the cardiovascular response and affect postural control during quiet standing. However, the effects of slow breathing during threats to standing balance have not been studied. The study examined the effect of slow breathing on the latency and amplitude of postural muscle responses to perturbations of the base of support in healthy, young adults. Twenty-seven participants completed two balance perturbation tasks in standing on an instrumented split-belt treadmill while breathing spontaneously and breathing at 6 breaths per minute. Each perturbation task consisted of 25 posteriorly directed translations of the treadmill belts every 8-12 s. Muscle latency and muscle burst amplitude were measured using surface electromyography from the right limb for the quadriceps (QUADS), medial hamstring (MH), gastrocnemii (GASTROC), soleus (SOL), and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle groups, while a respiratory belt was used to record respiratory rate. Results indicated that during the slow breathing task both muscle latency (p = 0.022) and muscle burst amplitude (p = 0.011) decreased compared to spontaneous breathing. The EMG pre-perturbation activation was not significantly different in any muscle group between conditions (p > 0.167). The study found that reducing respiratory rate to approximately 6 breaths per minute affects the neuromuscular responses in the lower limb muscles to perturbations.
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18
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Atkinson E, Škarabot J, Ansdell P, Goodall S, Howatson G, Thomas K. Does the reticulospinal tract mediate adaptation to resistance training in humans? J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 133:689-696. [PMID: 35834623 PMCID: PMC9467470 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00264.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance training increases volitional force-producing capacity, and it is widely accepted that such an increase is partly underpinned by adaptations in the central nervous system, particularly in the early phases of training. Despite this, the neural substrate(s) responsible for mediating adaptation remains largely unknown. Most studies have focused on the corticospinal tract, the main descending pathway controlling movement in humans, with equivocal findings. It is possible that neural adaptation to resistance training is mediated by other structures; one such candidate is the reticulospinal tract. The aim of this narrative mini-review is to articulate the potential of the reticulospinal tract to underpin adaptations in muscle strength. Specifically, we 1) discuss why the structure and function of the reticulospinal tract implicate it as a potential site for adaptation; 2) review the animal and human literature that supports the idea of the reticulospinal tract as an important neural substrate underpinning adaptation to resistance training; and 3) examine the potential methodological options to assess the reticulospinal tract in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Atkinson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, grid.42629.3bNorthumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, grid.6571.5Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Ansdell
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, grid.42629.3bNorthumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, grid.42629.3bNorthumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, grid.42629.3bNorthumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Thomas
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, grid.42629.3bNorthumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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19
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Škarabot J, Folland JP, Holobar A, Baker SN, Del Vecchio A. Startling stimuli increase maximal motor unit discharge rate and rate of force development in humans. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:455-469. [PMID: 35829632 PMCID: PMC9423775 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00115.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Maximal rate of force development in adult humans is determined by the maximal motor unit discharge rate, however the origin of the underlying synaptic inputs remains unclear. Here, we tested a hypothesis that the maximal motor unit discharge rate will increase in response to a startling cue, a stimulus that purportedly activates the pontomedullary reticular formation neurons that make mono- and disynaptic connections to motoneurons via fast-conducting axons. Twenty-two men were required to produce isometric knee extensor forces "as fast and as hard" as possible from rest to 75% of maximal voluntary force, in response to visual (VC), visual-auditory (VAC; 80 dB), or visual-startling cue (VSC; 110 dB). Motoneuron activity was estimated via decomposition of high-density surface electromyogram recordings over the vastus lateralis and medialis muscles. Reaction time was significantly shorter in response to VSC compared to VAC and VC. The VSC further elicited faster neuromechanical responses including a greater number of discharges per motor unit per second and greater maximal rate of force development, with no differences between VAC and VC. We provide evidence, for the first time, that the synaptic input to motoneurons increases in response to a startling cue, suggesting a contribution of subcortical pathways to maximal motoneuron output in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Škarabot
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, grid.6571.5Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan P Folland
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, grid.6571.5Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom.,Versus Arthritis Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Ales Holobar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Stuart N Baker
- Medical Faculty, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Del Vecchio
- Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
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20
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Gouveia D, Cardoso A, Carvalho C, Gonçalves AR, Gamboa Ó, Canejo-Teixeira R, Ferreira A, Martins Â. Influence of Spinal Shock on the Neurorehabilitation of ANNPE Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12121557. [PMID: 35739893 PMCID: PMC9219513 DOI: 10.3390/ani12121557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE) is related to contusive spinal cord injuries, and dogs usually appear to be exercising vigorously at the time of onset. ANNPE has a characteristic peracute onset of clinical signs during exercise or following trauma, with non-progressive signs during the first 24 h and possibly signs of spinal shock. The main aim was to assess if the presence of spinal shock affects the neurorehabilitation outcomes of ANNPE dogs. This prospective controlled cohort clinical study was conducted at the Arrábida Rehabilitation Center. All of the dogs had T3−L3 injuries and were paraplegic/monoplegic with/without nociception, the study group (n = 14) included dogs with ANNPE spinal shock dogs, and the control group (n = 19) included ANNPE dogs without spinal shock. The study group was also evaluated using a new scale—the Spinal Shock Scale (SSS)—and both groups were under the same intensive neurorehabilitation protocol. Spinal shock was a negative factor for a successful outcome within less time. SSS scores > 4 required additional hospitalization days. The protocol was safe, tolerable, and feasible and accomplished 32% ambulation within 7 days, 29% in 14 days, and 29% in 30 days. The results were better than those obtained in previous studies—94% at 60 days—and 75% of the dogs without nociception recovered ambulation. Long-term follows-ups carried out 4 years later revealed a positive evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Gouveia
- Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-538 Setúbal, Portugal; (A.C.); (C.C.); (Â.M.)
- Superior School of Health, Protection and Animal Welfare, Polytechnic Institute of Lusophony, Campo Grande, 1950-396 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana Cardoso
- Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-538 Setúbal, Portugal; (A.C.); (C.C.); (Â.M.)
| | - Carla Carvalho
- Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-538 Setúbal, Portugal; (A.C.); (C.C.); (Â.M.)
| | - Ana Rita Gonçalves
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.R.G.); (R.C.-T.)
| | - Óscar Gamboa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (Ó.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Rute Canejo-Teixeira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.R.G.); (R.C.-T.)
| | - António Ferreira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (Ó.G.); (A.F.)
- CIISA—Centro Interdisciplinar-Investigação em Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Av. Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ângela Martins
- Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-538 Setúbal, Portugal; (A.C.); (C.C.); (Â.M.)
- Superior School of Health, Protection and Animal Welfare, Polytechnic Institute of Lusophony, Campo Grande, 1950-396 Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.R.G.); (R.C.-T.)
- CIISA—Centro Interdisciplinar-Investigação em Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Av. Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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21
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Spasticity Management after Spinal Cord Injury: The Here and Now. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050808. [PMID: 35629229 PMCID: PMC9144471 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spasticity is a common comorbidity of spinal cord injury (SCI) that is characterized by velocity dependent tone and spasms manifested by uninhibited reflex activity of muscles below the level of injury. For some, spasticity can be beneficial and facilitate functional standing, transfers, and some activities of daily living. For others, it may be problematic, painful, and interfere with mobility and function. This manuscript will address the anatomy and physiology of neuromuscular reflexes as well as the pathophysiology that occurs after SCI. Spasticity assessment will be discussed in terms of clinical history and findings on physical examinations, including responses to passive and active movement, deep tendon reflexes, and other long tract signs of upper motor neuron injury, as well as gait and function. Management strategies will be discussed including stretch, modalities, pharmacotherapy, neurolysis, and surgical options.
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22
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Williams PT, Truong DQ, Seifert AC, Xu J, Bikson M, Martin JH. Selective augmentation of corticospinal motor drive with trans-spinal direct current stimulation in the cat. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:624-634. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Rangarajan V, Schreiber JJ, Barragan B, Schaefer SY, Honeycutt CF. Delays in the Reticulospinal System Are Associated With a Reduced Capacity to Learn a Simulated Feeding Task in Older Adults. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 15:681706. [PMID: 35153677 PMCID: PMC8829385 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.681706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning declines with age. Recent evidence indicates that the brainstem may play an important role in learning and motor skill acquisition. Our objective was to determine if delays in the reticular formation, measured via the startle reflex, correspond to age-related deficits in learning and retention. We hypothesized that delays in the startle reflex would be linearly correlated to learning and retention deficits in older adults. To determine if associations were unique to the reticulospinal system, we also evaluated corticospinal contributions with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Our results showed a linear relationship between startle onset latency and percent learning and retention but no relationship between active or passive motor-evoked potential onsets or peak-to-peak amplitude. These results lay the foundation for further study to evaluate if (1) the reticular formation is a subcortical facilitator of skill acquisition and (2) processing delays in the reticular formation contribute to age-related learning deficits.
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24
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Asan AS, McIntosh JR, Carmel JB. Targeting Sensory and Motor Integration for Recovery of Movement After CNS Injury. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:791824. [PMID: 35126040 PMCID: PMC8813971 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.791824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) integrates sensory and motor information to acquire skilled movements, known as sensory-motor integration (SMI). The reciprocal interaction of the sensory and motor systems is a prerequisite for learning and performing skilled movement. Injury to various nodes of the sensorimotor network causes impairment in movement execution and learning. Stimulation methods have been developed to directly recruit the sensorimotor system and modulate neural networks to restore movement after CNS injury. Part 1 reviews the main processes and anatomical interactions responsible for SMI in health. Part 2 details the effects of injury on sites critical for SMI, including the spinal cord, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Finally, Part 3 reviews the application of activity-dependent plasticity in ways that specifically target integration of sensory and motor systems. Understanding of each of these components is needed to advance strategies targeting SMI to improve rehabilitation in humans after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jason B. Carmel
- Departments of Neurology and Orthopedics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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25
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Seáñez I, Capogrosso M. Motor improvements enabled by spinal cord stimulation combined with physical training after spinal cord injury: review of experimental evidence in animals and humans. Bioelectron Med 2021; 7:16. [PMID: 34706778 PMCID: PMC8555080 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-021-00077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been gaining momentum as a potential therapy for motor paralysis in consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). Specifically, recent studies combining SCS with activity-based training have reported unprecedented improvements in motor function in people with chronic SCI that persist even without stimulation. In this work, we first provide an overview of the critical scientific advancements that have led to the current uses of SCS in neurorehabilitation: e.g. the understanding that SCS activates dormant spinal circuits below the lesion by recruiting large-to-medium diameter sensory afferents within the posterior roots. We discuss how this led to the standardization of implant position which resulted in consistent observations by independent clinical studies that SCS in combination with physical training promotes improvements in motor performance and neurorecovery. While all reported participants were able to move previously paralyzed limbs from day 1, recovery of more complex motor functions was gradual, and the timeframe for first observations was proportional to the task complexity. Interestingly, individuals with SCI classified as AIS B and C regained motor function in paralyzed joints even without stimulation, but not individuals with motor and sensory complete SCI (AIS A). Experiments in animal models of SCI investigating the potential mechanisms underpinning this neurorecovery suggest a synaptic reorganization of cortico-reticulo-spinal circuits that correlate with improvements in voluntary motor control. Future experiments in humans and animal models of paralysis will be critical to understand the potential and limits for functional improvements in people with different types, levels, timeframes, and severities of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Seáñez
- Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA. .,Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA.
| | - Marco Capogrosso
- Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehab and Neural Engineering Labs, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
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26
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Biktimirov A, Pak O, Bryukhovetskiy I, Sharma A, Sharma HS. Neuromodulation as a basic platform for neuroprotection and repair after spinal cord injury. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 266:269-300. [PMID: 34689861 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most challenging medical issues. Spasticity is a major complication of SCI. A combination of spinal cord stimulation, new methods of neuroprotection and biomedical cellular products provides fundamentally new options for SCI treatment and rehabilitation. The paper attempts to critically analyze the effectiveness of using these procedures for patients with SCI, suggesting a protocol for a step-by-step personalized treatment of SCI, based on continuity of modern conservative and surgical methods. The study argues the possibility of using neuromodulation as a basis for rehabilitating patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Biktimirov
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia.
| | - Oleg Pak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Igor Bryukhovetskiy
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Aruna Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hari Shanker Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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27
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Funaba M, Imajo Y, Suzuki H, Nishida N, Nagao Y, Sakamoto T, Fujimoto K, Sakai T. The associations between radiological and neurological findings of degenerative cervical myelopathy: radiological analysis based on kinematic CT myelography and evoked potentials of the spinal cord. J Neurosurg Spine 2021; 35:308-319. [PMID: 34243153 DOI: 10.3171/2020.11.spine201626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurological and imaging findings play significant roles in the diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Consistency between neurological and imaging findings is important for diagnosing DCM. The reasons why neurological findings exhibit varying sensitivity for DCM and their associations with radiological findings are unclear. This study aimed to identify associations between radiological parameters and neurological findings in DCM and elucidate the utility of concordance between imaging and neurological findings for diagnosing DCM. METHODS One hundred twenty-one patients with DCM were enrolled. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, radiological parameters, MRI and kinematic CT myelography (CTM) parameters, and the affected spinal level (according to multimodal spinal cord evoked potential examinations) were assessed. Kinematic CTM was conducted with neutral positioning or at maximal extension or flexion of the cervical spine. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the spinal cord, dynamic change in the CSA, C2-7 range of motion, and C2-7 angle were measured. The associations between radiological parameters and hyperreflexia, the Hoffmann reflex, the Babinski sign, and positional sense were analyzed via multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS In univariate analyses, the upper- and lower-limb JOA scores were found to be significantly associated with a positive Hoffmann reflex and a positive Babinski sign, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, a positive Hoffmann reflex was associated with a higher MRI grade (p = 0.026, OR 2.23) and a responsible level other than C6-7 (p = 0.0017, OR 0.061). A small CSA during flexion was found to be significantly associated with a positive Babinski sign (p = 0.021, OR 0.90). The presence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (p = 0.0045, OR 0.31) and a larger C2-7 angle during flexion (p = 0.01, OR 0.89) were significantly associated with abnormal great toe proprioception (GTP). CONCLUSIONS This study found that the Hoffmann reflex is associated with chronic and severe spinal cord compression but not the dynamic factors. The Babinski sign is associated with severe spinal cord compression during neck flexion. The GTP is associated with large cervical lordosis. These imaging features can help us understand the characteristics of the neurological findings.
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Levasseur A, Mac-Thiong JM, Richard-Denis A. Are early clinical manifestations of spasticity associated with long-term functional outcome following spinal cord injury? A retrospective study. Spinal Cord 2021; 59:910-916. [PMID: 34230603 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-021-00661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study of a prospective cohort of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVES Determine the relationship between the occurrence of early spasticity, defined as the development of signs and/or symptoms of spasticity during the hospitalization in traumatology, and the functional outcome 6-12 months following a SCI. Secondly, to determine the specific impact of early clonus, velocity-dependent hypertonia and/or muscle spasms on the functional outcome at the same timepoint. SETTING Single trauma center specialized in SCI care. METHODS One hundred sixty-two patients sustaining an acute traumatic SCI were included in the analyses. Comparative analysis was performed to describe the characteristics of patients with early spasticity. Correlations were performed to determine the relationship between the clinical signs of spasticity and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) scores collected 6-12 months after SCI. RESULTS 51.9% of the cohort developed clinical signs of spasticity during the hospitalization in traumatology (29.7 days) following SCI. These showed a significantly lower total SCIM score and subscores compared to individuals without early spasticity at follow-up (p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, the occurrence of early spasms was only clinical sign of spasticity significantly associated with a decreased mobility at follow-up (r = -0.17, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS The development of signs and symptoms of spasticity, in particular the occurrence of spasms in the first month following the injury may be associated with decreased functional outcome and mobility. Early assessment of spasticity following SCI is thus recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Levasseur
- Research Center, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hopital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal), Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Marc Mac-Thiong
- Research Center, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hopital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal), Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hopital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Andréane Richard-Denis
- Research Center, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hopital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal), Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada. .,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Hopital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal), Montreal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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29
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Sangari S, Kirshblum S, Guest JD, Oudega M, Perez MA. Distinct patterns of spasticity and corticospinal connectivity following complete spinal cord injury. J Physiol 2021; 599:4441-4454. [PMID: 34107068 DOI: 10.1113/jp281862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Damage to corticospinal axons have implications for the development of spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we examined to which extent residual corticospinal connections and spasticity are present in muscles below the injury (quadriceps femoris and soleus) in humans with motor complete thoracic SCI. We found three distinct sub-groups of people: participants with spasticity and corticospinal responses in the quadriceps femoris and soleus, participants with spasticity and corticospinal responses in the quadriceps femoris only, and participants with no spasticity or corticospinal responses in either muscle. Spasticity and corticospinal responses were present in the quadriceps but never only in the soleus muscle, suggesting a proximal to distal gradient of symptoms of hyperreflexia. These results suggest that concomitant patterns of residual corticospinal connectivity and spasticity exist in humans with motor complete SCI and that a clinical exam of spasticity might be a good predictor of residual corticospinal connectivity. ABSTRACT The loss of corticospinal axons has implications for the development of spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the extent to which residual corticospinal connections and spasticity are present across muscles below the injury remains unknown. To address this question, we tested spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale and transmission in the corticospinal pathway by examining motor evoked potentials elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation over the leg motor cortex (cortical MEPs) and by direct activation of corticospinal axons by electrical stimulation over the thoracic spine (thoracic MEPs), in the quadriceps femoris and soleus muscles, in 30 individuals with motor complete thoracic SCI. Cortical MEPs were also conditioned by thoracic electrical stimulation at intervals allowing their summation or collision. We found three distinct sub-groups of participants: 47% showed spasticity in the quadriceps femoris and soleus muscle, 30% showed spasticity in the quadriceps femoris muscle only, and 23% showed no spasticity in either muscle. While cortical MEPs were present only in the quadriceps in participants with spasticity, thoracic MEPs were present in both muscles when spasticity was present. Thoracic electrical stimulation facilitated and suppressed cortical MEPs, showing that both forms of stimulation activated similar corticospinal axons. Cortical and thoracic MEPs correlated with the degree of spasticity in both muscles. These results provide the first evidence that related patterns of residual corticospinal connectivity and spasticity exist in muscles below the injury after motor complete thoracic SCI and highlight that a clinical exam of spasticity can predict residual corticospinal connectivity after severe paralysis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sangari
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, 60611
| | - Steven Kirshblum
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - James D Guest
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, 33136
| | - Martin Oudega
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, 60141
| | - Monica A Perez
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.,Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, 60141
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Marufa SA, Hsieh TH, Liou JC, Chen HY, Peng CW. Neuromodulatory effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on neural plasticity and motor functions in rats with an incomplete spinal cord injury: A preliminary study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252965. [PMID: 34086836 PMCID: PMC8177618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on locomotor function, motor plasticity, and axonal regeneration in an animal model of incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Aneurysm clips with different compression forces were applied extradurally around the spinal cord at T10. Motor plasticity was evaluated by examining the motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Long-term iTBS treatment was given at the post-SCI 5th week and continued for 2 weeks (5 consecutive days/week). Time-course changes in locomotor function and the axonal regeneration level were measured by the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) scale, and growth-associated protein (GAP)-43 expression was detected in brain and spinal cord tissues. iTBS-induced potentiation was reduced at post-1-week SCI lesion and had recovered by 4 weeks post-SCI lesion, except in the severe group. Multiple sessions of iTBS treatment enhanced the motor plasticity in all SCI rats. The locomotor function revealed no significant changes between pre- and post-iTBS treatment in SCI rats. The GAP-43 expression level in the spinal cord increased following 2 weeks of iTBS treatment compared to the sham-treatment group. This preclinical model may provide a translational platform to further investigate therapeutic mechanisms of transcranial magnetic stimulation and enhance the possibility of the potential use of TMS with the iTBS scheme for treating SCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Ainun Marufa
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Health Science, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia
| | - Tsung-Hsun Hsieh
- School of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Chiun Liou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yung Chen
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Peng
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Gerontology Health Management, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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The Impact of Anterior Spondylolisthesis and Kyphotic Alignment on Dynamic Changes in Spinal Cord Compression and Neurological Status in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Radiological Analysis Involving Kinematic CT Myelography and Multimodal Spinal Cord Evoked Potentials. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2021; 46:72-79. [PMID: 33038192 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000003735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study of prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine how radiological parameters affect dynamic changes in the cross-sectional area of the spinal cord (CSA) in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients and how they correlate with the severity of myelopathy, by evaluating multi-modal spinal cord evoked potentials (SCEPs). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Appropriate assessments of dynamic factors should reveal hidden spinal cord compression and provide useful information for choosing surgical procedures. METHODS Seventy-nine CSM patients were enrolled. They were examined with kinematic CT myelography (CTM), and the spinal levels responsible for their CSM were determined via SCEP examinations. The C2-7 angle, C2-7 range of motion, and percentage of slip were measured on the midsagittal view during flexion and extension, and the CSA was measured on the axial view in each neck position using kinematic CTM. The patients who exhibited the smallest CSA values during extension and flexion were classified into Groups E and F, respectively. RESULTS Fifty-two (65.8%) and 27 (34.2%) cases were included in Groups E and F, respectively. The preoperative JOA score did not differ significantly between the groups; however, the preoperative lower-limb JOA score of Group F was significantly lower than that of Group E (2.24 ± 0.82 vs. 2.83 ± 1.09, P = 0.016). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, a small C2-7 angle during extension (β = 5°, odds ratio: 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.90) and the slip percentage during flexion (β = 5%, odds ratio: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.09-1.85) were identified as significant predictors of belonging to Group F. CONCLUSION Exhibiting more severe spinal cord compression during neck flexion was associated with a small C2-7 angle and anterior spondylolisthesis. The neurological status of the patients in Group F was characterized by severe lower limb dysfunction because of a disturbed blood supply to the anterior column.Level of Evidence: 4.
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Zhang H, Zhi J, Ning B, Zhang S. Research progress on limb spasmolysis, orthopedics and functional reconstruction of brain-derived paralysis. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.26599/jnr.2021.9040019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived paralysis is a disease dominated by limb paralysis caused by various brain diseases. The damage of upper motor neurons can lead to spastic paralysis of the limbs in different parts. If it cannot be treated in time and effectively, it will severely affect the motor function and ability of daily living. Treating limb spastic dysfunction in patients with brain-derived paralysis is a global problem. Presently, there are many alternative surgical methods. This article mainly reviews the treatment of limb spastic dysfunction with brain-derived paralysis, focusing on three aspects: limb spasmolysis, orthopedics, and functional reconstruction. Among them, the transposition of the peripheral nerve helps limb function with spastic paralysis and can effectively alleviate limb spasticity.
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TMS Correlates of Pyramidal Tract Signs and Clinical Motor Status in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy. Brain Sci 2020. [PMID: 33142762 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110806.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the association between motor-evoked potential (MEP) abnormalities and motor deficit is well established, few studies have reported the correlation between MEPs and signs of pyramidal tract dysfunction without motor weakness. We assessed MEPs in patients with pyramidal signs, including motor deficits, compared to patients with pyramidal signs but without weakness. METHODS Forty-three patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) were dichotomized into 21 with pyramidal signs including motor deficit (Group 1) and 22 with pyramidal signs and normal strength (Group 2), and both groups were compared to 33 healthy controls (Group 0). MEPs were bilaterally recorded from the first dorsal interosseous and tibialis anterior muscle. The central motor conduction time (CMCT) was estimated as the difference between MEP latency and peripheral latency by magnetic stimulation. Peak-to-peak MEP amplitude and right-to-left differences were also measured. RESULTS Participants were age-, sex-, and height-matched. MEP latency in four limbs and CMCT in the lower limbs were prolonged, and MEP amplitude in the lower limbs decreased in Group 1 compared to the others. Unlike motor deficit, pyramidal signs were not associated with MEP measures, even when considering age, sex, and height as confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS In CSM, isolated pyramidal signs may not be associated, at this stage, with MEP changes.
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Lanza G, Puglisi V, Vinciguerra L, Fisicaro F, Vagli C, Cantone M, Pennisi G, Pennisi M, Bella R. TMS Correlates of Pyramidal Tract Signs and Clinical Motor Status in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10110806. [PMID: 33142762 PMCID: PMC7692772 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the association between motor-evoked potential (MEP) abnormalities and motor deficit is well established, few studies have reported the correlation between MEPs and signs of pyramidal tract dysfunction without motor weakness. We assessed MEPs in patients with pyramidal signs, including motor deficits, compared to patients with pyramidal signs but without weakness. METHODS Forty-three patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) were dichotomized into 21 with pyramidal signs including motor deficit (Group 1) and 22 with pyramidal signs and normal strength (Group 2), and both groups were compared to 33 healthy controls (Group 0). MEPs were bilaterally recorded from the first dorsal interosseous and tibialis anterior muscle. The central motor conduction time (CMCT) was estimated as the difference between MEP latency and peripheral latency by magnetic stimulation. Peak-to-peak MEP amplitude and right-to-left differences were also measured. RESULTS Participants were age-, sex-, and height-matched. MEP latency in four limbs and CMCT in the lower limbs were prolonged, and MEP amplitude in the lower limbs decreased in Group 1 compared to the others. Unlike motor deficit, pyramidal signs were not associated with MEP measures, even when considering age, sex, and height as confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS In CSM, isolated pyramidal signs may not be associated, at this stage, with MEP changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78-95123 Catania, Italy;
- Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute–IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73-94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-3782448
| | - Valentina Puglisi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Cremona, Viale Concordia, 1-26100 Cremona, Italy; (V.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Luisa Vinciguerra
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Cremona, Viale Concordia, 1-26100 Cremona, Italy; (V.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Francesco Fisicaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 89-95123 Catania, Italy; (F.F.); (M.P.)
| | - Carla Vagli
- Department of Neurology, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, ASP Agrigento, Contrada Consolida, 92100 Agrigento, Italy;
| | - Mariagiovanna Cantone
- Department of Neurology, Sant’Elia Hospital, ASP Caltanissetta, Via Luigi Russo, 6-93100 Caltanissetta, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Pennisi
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78-95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 89-95123 Catania, Italy; (F.F.); (M.P.)
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78-95123 Catania, Italy;
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Wieters F, Weiss Lucas C, Gruhn M, Büschges A, Fink GR, Aswendt M. Introduction to spasticity and related mouse models. Exp Neurol 2020; 335:113491. [PMID: 33007294 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although spasticity is one of the most common causes of motor disability worldwide, its precise definition and pathophysiology remain elusive, which to date renders its experimental targeting tricky. At least in part, this difficulty is caused by heterogeneous phenotypes of spasticity-causing neurological disorders, all causing spasticity by involving upper motor neurons. The most common clinical symptoms are a series of rapid muscle contractions (clonus), an increased muscle tone (hypertonia), and augmented tendon reflex activity (hyperreflexia). This muscle overactivity is due to disturbed inhibition of spinal reflexes following upper motor neuron dysfunction. Despite a range of physical and pharmacological therapies ameliorating the symptoms, their targeted application remains difficult. Therefore, to date, spasticity impacts rehabilitative therapy, and no therapy exists that reverses the pathology completely. In contrast to the incidence and importance of spasticity, only very little pre-clinical work in animal models exists, and this research is focused on the cat or the rat spastic tail model to decipher altered reflexes and excitability of the motor neurons in the spinal cord. Meanwhile, the characterization of spasticity in clinically more relevant mouse models of neurological disorders, such as stroke, remains understudied. Here, we provide a brief introduction into the clinical knowledge and therapy of spasticity and an in-depth review of pre-clinical studies of spasticity in mice including the current experimental challenges for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederique Wieters
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Department of Neurology, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carolin Weiss Lucas
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Center of Neurosurgery, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Gruhn
- Department for Animal Physiology, Institute for Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne
| | - Ansgar Büschges
- Department for Animal Physiology, Institute for Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne
| | - Gereon R Fink
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Department of Neurology, Cologne, Germany; Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Center Juelich, Germany
| | - Markus Aswendt
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Department of Neurology, Cologne, Germany; Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Center Juelich, Germany.
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Hou J, Nelson R, Mohammad N, Mustafa G, Plant D, Thompson FJ, Bose P. Effect of Simultaneous Combined Treadmill Training and Magnetic Stimulation on Spasticity and Gait Impairments after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:1999-2013. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jiamei Hou
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- BRRC, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Rachel Nelson
- BRRC, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Naweed Mohammad
- BRRC, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Golam Mustafa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- BRRC, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Daniel Plant
- Research Service, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Floyd J. Thompson
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- BRRC, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Prodip Bose
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- BRRC, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Distinct Corticospinal and Reticulospinal Contributions to Voluntary Control of Elbow Flexor and Extensor Muscles in Humans with Tetraplegia. J Neurosci 2020; 40:8831-8841. [PMID: 32883710 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1107-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) often recover voluntary control of elbow flexors and, to a much lesser extent, elbow extensor muscles. The neural mechanisms underlying this asymmetrical recovery remain unknown. Anatomical and physiological evidence in animals and humans indicates that corticospinal and reticulospinal pathways differentially control elbow flexor and extensor motoneurons; therefore, it is possible that reorganization in these pathways contributes to the asymmetrical recovery of elbow muscles after SCI. To test this hypothesis, we examined motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation over the arm representation of the primary motor cortex, maximal voluntary contractions, the StartReact response (a shortening in reaction time evoked by a startling stimulus), and the effect of an acoustic startle cue on MEPs elicited by cervicomedullary stimulation (CMEPs) on biceps and triceps brachii in males and females with and without chronic cervical incomplete SCI. We found that SCI participants showed similar MEPs and maximal voluntary contractions in biceps but smaller responses in triceps compared with controls, suggesting reduced corticospinal inputs to elbow extensors. The StartReact and CMEP facilitation was larger in biceps but similar to controls in triceps, suggesting enhanced reticulospinal inputs to elbow flexors. These findings support the hypothesis that the recovery of biceps after cervical SCI results, at least in part, from increased reticulospinal inputs and that the lack of these extra inputs combined with the loss of corticospinal drive contribute to the pronounced weakness found in triceps.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Although a number of individuals with cervical incomplete spinal cord injury show limited functional recovery of elbow extensors compared with elbow flexor muscles, to date, the neural mechanisms underlying this asymmetrical recovery remain unknown. Here, we provide for the first time evidence for increased reticulospinal inputs to biceps but not triceps brachii and loss of corticospinal drive to triceps brachii in humans with tetraplegia. We propose that this reorganization in descending control contributes to the asymmetrical recovery between elbow flexor and extensor muscles after cervical spinal cord injury.
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Deficits in corticospinal control of stretch reflex thresholds in stroke: Implications for motor impairment. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:2067-2078. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Choudhury S, Singh R, Shobhana A, Sen D, Anand SS, Shubham S, Gangopadhyay S, Baker MR, Kumar H, Baker SN. A Novel Wearable Device for Motor Recovery of Hand Function in Chronic Stroke Survivors. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2020; 34:600-608. [PMID: 32452275 PMCID: PMC8207486 DOI: 10.1177/1545968320926162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. In monkey, reticulospinal connections to hand and forearm muscles are spontaneously strengthened following corticospinal lesions, likely contributing to recovery of function. In healthy humans, pairing auditory clicks with electrical stimulation of a muscle induces plastic changes in motor pathways (probably including the reticulospinal tract), with features reminiscent of spike-timing dependent plasticity. In this study, we tested whether pairing clicks with muscle stimulation could improve hand function in chronic stroke survivors. Methods. Clicks were delivered via a miniature earpiece; transcutaneous electrical stimuli at motor threshold targeted forearm extensor muscles. A wearable electronic device (WD) allowed patients to receive stimulation at home while performing normal daily activities. A total of 95 patients >6 months poststroke were randomized to 3 groups: WD with shock paired 12 ms before click; WD with clicks and shocks delivered independently; standard care. Those allocated to the device used it for at least 4 h/d, every day for 4 weeks. Upper-limb function was assessed at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 8 using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), which has 4 subdomains (Grasp, Grip, Pinch, and Gross). Results. Severity across the 3 groups was comparable at baseline. Only the paired stimulation group showed significant improvement in total ARAT (median baseline: 7.5; week 8: 11.5; P = .019) and the Grasp subscore (median baseline: 1; week 8: 4; P = .004). Conclusion. A wearable device delivering paired clicks and shocks over 4 weeks can produce a small but significant improvement in upper-limb function in stroke survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ravi Singh
- Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - A Shobhana
- Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Dwaipayan Sen
- Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | | | | | | | - Mark R Baker
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK.,Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | | | - Stuart N Baker
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK
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40
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Chen B, Sangari S, Lorentzen J, Nielsen JB, Perez MA. Bilateral and asymmetrical contributions of passive and active ankle plantar flexors stiffness to spasticity in humans with spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol 2020; 124:973-984. [PMID: 32432501 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00044.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms present in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI); however, its clinical assessment remains underdeveloped. The purpose of the study was to examine the contribution of passive muscle stiffness and active spinal reflex mechanisms to clinical outcomes of spasticity after SCI. It is important that passive and active contributions to increased muscle stiffness are distinguished to make appropriate decisions about antispastic treatments and to monitor its effectiveness. To address this question, we combined biomechanical and electrophysiological assessments of ankle plantarflexor muscles bilaterally in individuals with and without chronic SCI. Spasticity was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and a self-reported questionnaire. We performed slow and fast dorsiflexion stretches of the ankle joint to measure passive muscle stiffness and reflex-induced torque using a dynamometer and the soleus H reflex using electrical stimulation over the posterior tibial nerve. All SCI participants reported the presence of spasticity. While 96% of them reported higher spasticity on one side compared with the other, the MAS detected differences across sides in only 25% of the them. Passive muscle stiffness and the reflex-induced torque were larger in SCI compared with controls more on one side compared with the other. The soleus stretch reflex, but not the H reflex, was larger in SCI compared with controls and showed differences across sides, with a larger reflex in the side showing a higher reflex-induced torque. MAS scores were not correlated with biomechanical and electrophysiological outcomes. These findings provide evidence for bilateral and asymmetric contributions of passive and active ankle plantar flexors stiffness to spasticity in humans with chronic SCI and highlight a poor agreement between a self-reported questionnaire and the MAS for detecting asymmetries in spasticity across sides.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spasticity affects a number of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Using biomechanical, electrophysiological, and clinical assessments, we found that passive muscle properties and active spinal reflex mechanisms contribute bilaterally and asymmetrically to spasticity in ankle plantarflexor muscles in humans with chronic SCI. A self-reported questionnaire had poor agreement with the Modified Ashworth Scale in detecting asymmetries in spasticity. The nature of these changes might contribute to the poor sensitivity of clinical exams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida and Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida.,Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Northwestern University, Chicago, United States and Hines Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sina Sangari
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida and Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida.,Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Northwestern University, Chicago, United States and Hines Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jakob Lorentzen
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen and Institute of Nutrition and Exercise and Elsass Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens B Nielsen
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen and Institute of Nutrition and Exercise and Elsass Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Monica A Perez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida and Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida.,Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Northwestern University, Chicago, United States and Hines Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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