Neuroplasticity after a spinal cord injury

After a spinal cord injury (SCI) of the cat or rat, neuronal centers below the level of lesion exhibit plasticity than can be exploited by specific training paradigms. In individuals with complete or incomplete SCI, human spinal locomotor centers can be activated and modulated by locomotor training (facilitating stepping movements of the legs using body weight support on a treadmill to provide appropriate sensory cues) (for review see Dietz Nat Rev Neurosci 2002, Clin Neurophysiol 2003). Individuals with incomplete SCI benefit from locomotor training such that they improve their ability to walk over ground. Load…