How Spinalized Rats Can Walk: Biomechanics, Cortex, and Hindlimb Muscle Scaling--implications for Rehabilitation

Overview

Journal Ann N Y Acad Sci

Specialty Science

Date 2010 Jun 12

PMID 20536943

Citations 17

Authors

Simon F Giszter

Greg Hockensmith

Arun Ramakrishnan

Ubong Ime Udoekwere

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Neonatal spinalized (NST) rats can achieve autonomous weight-supported locomotion never seen after adult injury. Mechanisms that support function in NST rats include increased importance of cortical trunk control and altered biomechanical control strategies for stance and locomotion. Hindlimbs are isolated from perturbations in quiet stance and act in opposition to forelimbs in locomotion in NST rats. Control of roll and yaw of the hindlimbs is crucial in their locomotion. The biomechanics of the hind limbs of NST rats are also likely crucial. We present new data showing the whole leg musculature scales proportional to normal rat musculature in NST rats, regardless of function. This scaling is a prerequisite for the NST rats to most effectively use pattern generation mechanisms and motor patterns that are similar to those present in intact rats. Pattern generation may be built into the lumbar spinal cord by evolution and matched to the limb biomechanics, so preserved muscle scaling may be essential to the NST function observed.

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