
Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition that changes the spinal cord function and may have important physical consequences for individuals. To find a cure for paralysis, research is being conducted both in experimental models and clinical studies. This effort demands the use of a plethora of techniques at the cellular, tissue, and individual level. Studies on neurorehabilitation following spinal cord injury may involve novel pharmacological treatments, technologies, or surgical procedures. Methods to conduct research in spinal cord injury are complex because of the spinal cord structure, the characteristics of the lesion, and the route of administration of novel treatments or technologies. The goal of this Methods Collection is to demonstrate [(i) – animal models] protocols for inducing the spinal cord lesion, measuring impairment, restitution, and neurochemical/physiological changes following the lesion, and administering novel drugs, therapies, or implementing novel technologies; and [(ii) – clinical] standardized protocols to measure sensorimotor impairment and the effects of therapy, and to provide novel treatments (e.g., spinal cord stimulation or neuroprosthetic devices). With this Methods Collection, we aim to provide broader access to existing methods and ultimately increase the successful translation of novel treatments, therapies, and technology to the end-user.
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Cited by 17
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2020
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1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 2Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, 3KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, 4Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 5Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto