Voluntary wheel running preserves lumbar perineuronal nets, enhances motor functions and prevents hyperreflexia after spinal cord injury

Perineuronal nets (PNN) are a promising candidate to harness neural plasticity since their activity-dependent modulation allows either stabilize the circuits or increase plasticity. Modulation of is basis rehabilitation strategies reduce maladaptive after spinal cord injuries (SCI). Hence, it important understand how PNN affected SCI and rehabilitation. Thus, this work aims describe functional changes thoracic in mice, followed by different therapies: enriched environment, voluntary wheel forced treadmill running. We found that contusion provoked thermal hyperalgesia, hyperreflexia locomotor impairment as measured plantar test, H wave recordings BMS score locomotion, respectively. In cord, reduced density around lumbar motoneurons. contrast, activity-based therapies increased motoneuron activity reversed decrease. The group showed full preservation which also correlated with better recovery. Furthermore, both running but finding was independent levels. brainstem sensory nuclei, did not modify whereas some them. results present study highlight impact on decreasing at caudal segments potential physical reverse disaggregation improve As modulating crucial for restoring damaged circuits, regulating an encouraging target outcome injury.