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Published February 2006 | Published
Book Section - Chapter Open

Effects of Assist-as-needed Robotic Training Paradigms on the Locomotor Recovery of Adult Spinal Mice

Abstract

This paper introduces a new "assist-as needed" (AAN) training paradigm for rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries via robotic training devices. In the pilot study reported in this paper, nine female adult Swiss-Webster mice were divided into three groups, each experiencing a different robotic training control strategy: a fixed training trajectory (Fixed Group, A), an AAN training method without inter-limb coordination (Band Group, B), and an AAN training method with bilateral hindlimb coordination (Window Group, C). Fourteen days after complete transection at the mid-thoracic level, the mice were robotically trained to step in the presence of an acutely administered serotonin agonist, quipazine, for a period of six weeks. The mice that received AAN training (Groups B and C) show higher levels of recovery than Group A mice, as measured by the number, consistency, and periodicity of steps realized during testing sessions. Group C displays a higher incidence of alternating stepping than Group B. These results indicate that this training approach may be more effective than fixed trajectory paradigms in promoting robust post-injury stepping behavior. Furthermore, the constraint of inter-limb coordination appears to be an important contribution to successful training. Presented in this paper are also some preliminary results from a recent full-scale study that complements the conclusions from this pilot study.

Additional Information

© 2006 IEEE. Issue Date: 20-22 Feb. 2006, Date of Current Version: 05 July 2006. This work is supported by the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (#VEC 2002-2), the National Institutes of Child Health and Humane Development and the National Institute of Neural Disorders and Stroke (1 R01 HD044830-01). The author will like to thank Dr. Roland Roy and Veronica Zhong for performing all the necessary surgery, Dr. Jorge G. Cham for his helpful advices, and Maynor Herrera for all the animal care.

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Published - Cai2006p89692006_1St_Ieee_Ras-Embs_International_Conference_On_Biomedical_Robotics_And_Biomechatronics_Vols_1-3.pdf

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Cai2006p89692006_1St_Ieee_Ras-Embs_International_Conference_On_Biomedical_Robotics_And_Biomechatronics_Vols_1-3.pdf

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August 19, 2023
Modified:
October 23, 2023