Activity-based Training on a Treadmill with Spinal Cord Injured Wistar Rats
January 16th, 2019
This protocol demonstrates our model of activity-based locomotor treadmill training for rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). Included is both quadrupedal and forelimb-only groups, in addition to two distinct types of non-trained control groups. Investigators are able to assess training effects on SCI rats using this protocol.
Exercise and locomotor training are commonly used in rehabilitative therapies in the spinal cord injured patient population.The main advantage of activity-based training is that many functional benefits have been documented, both in preclinical animal studies, and in clinical practice.Demonstrating the procedure will be James Armstrong, and Christine Yarberry, both senior research technicians, and Jason Gumbel, a graduate student from my laboratory.During the week before the spinal cord injury, handle each rat for five to ten minutes, once a day for five days.On the day of the injury, shave the hair from the back of the first 200 to 225 gram rat, at the site of the injury, and place the anesthetized animal on a heating pad at a low setting.Administer eye lubricant, a long-acting general antibiotic, an analgesic, and five milliliters of physiological saline.Estimate the location of the targeted lesion level, based upon the vertebral protuberances, and use a number 10 scalpel to make an approximately five centimeter incision on the dorsum of the animal, directly above the midline vertebrae.Using hemostats, retract lateral muscles, using 4-0 silk suture.For mid thoracic contusions, use rongeurs to remove the overlaying T7 vertebrae lamina, to expose the T8-T9 level of the spinal cord, and use a contusion device to perform the contusions.After delivering the injuries, use 4-0 diameter monofilaments to suture together the muscle and fascia over the spinal cord.And close the skin with nine millimeter surgical wound clips.Inject another five milliliters of physiological saline.Then place the animals in individual clean cages, on heating pads with close monitoring for the first 24-48 hours.Using the manual Cred
Overview
This article details a rodent model for activity-based task-specific training (ABT) following spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on locomotor training (LT) as a rehabilitation strategy. The protocol aims to investigate the mechanisms by which ABT improves not only mobility but also autonomic functions such as urinary, bowel, and sexual function in SCI rats. The approach closely mimics clinical rehabilitation paradigms, enhancing translational relevance.
Key Study Components
Area of Science
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation research
- Preclinical animal models
Background
- SCI leads to persistent deficits in mobility and autonomic function.
- Locomotor training is widely used in clinical rehabilitation for SCI patients.
- Activity-based training has shown functional benefits in both animal and human studies.
- Understanding the mechanisms of ABT-induced improvements can inform better clinical protocols.
Purpose of Study
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying ABT-induced improvements in autonomic functions post-SCI.
- To refine and enhance clinical rehabilitation protocols using preclinical models.
- To compare different training paradigms (quadrupedal, forelimb-only, and non-trained controls) in SCI rats.
Methods Used
- Induction of moderate to severe thoracic contusion SCI in rats using a contusion device.
- Post-injury care including analgesia, antibiotics, and supportive monitoring.
- Assignment of animals to quadrupedal training, forelimb-only training, or non-trained control groups.
- Use of custom adjustable vests and body weight support mechanisms during treadmill training.
- Daily step-training sessions (58 minutes/day, 10 weeks) with technician assistance as needed.
Main Results
- The protocol enables efficient, simultaneous training of multiple SCI animals.
- Quadrupedal and forelimb-only training paradigms are feasible and reproducible.
- The model closely replicates clinical rehabilitation conditions, particularly regarding body weight support and manual assistance.
- Provides a platform to study functional recovery and underlying mechanisms in SCI.
Conclusions
- This rodent ABT protocol is a robust preclinical model for SCI rehabilitation research.
- It facilitates mechanistic studies of functional improvements following locomotor training.
- The approach enhances translational relevance by closely mimicking clinical rehabilitation strategies.
