Previous studies have demonstrated that "locomotor-like" rhythmic patterns can be evoked in the isolated neonatal rat spinal cord by several means, including pharmacological neuromodulation and electrical stimulation of various pathways. Recent studies have used stimulation of afferent pathways to evoke rhythmic patterns, relying on synaptic activation of interneuronal systems rather than globa...

Extension of the fingers is a complex function carried out by simultaneous action of extrinsic and intrinsic muscles, as well as retinacular structures in the dorsum of the wrist, hand, and fingers that support and coordinate the action of the muscles. The extensor mechanism of the fingers is divided into topographic zones, which extend from the forearm to the distal phalanx. Magnetic resonance...

During eccentrically biased exercise (e.g., downhill locomotion), whole body oxygen consumption and blood lactate concentrations are lower than during level locomotion. These general systemic measurements indicate that muscle metabolism is lower during downhill exercise. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that hindlimb muscle blood flow is correspondingly lower during downhill vs. l...

The purpose of this study is to examine ways in which electrical stimulation, both transcutaneously and via implanted stimulators, may be used to treat spasticity . Spasticity is one of the complications which frequently follows CNS (central nervous system) lesion, and it is commonly identified in the following ways : The involved muscles develop a pathological resistance to passive stretch . T...

In his original description of the nociceptive flexion reflex in vertibrate animals Sherrington (1910) declares that even though the reflex is most readily elicited from the foot, it has a receptive field which includes "the skin of the whole limb as far up as the groin in front, the perineum medially, and the ischial region behind". He states that noxious stimuli within this field cause not on...

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between different levels and degrees of incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results non-invasive electromyography (mcsEMG), motor-evoked potentials (MEP), electroneurography (ENG). With a focus on patients injuries at four levels, C3–C5, C6–Th1, Th3–Th6, Th7–L1, this research delved into intricate...

Steldt, Robert E. and Brian D. Schmit. Modulation of coordinated muscle activity during imposed sinusoidal hip movements in human spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol 92: 673–685, 2004. First published March 24, 2004; 10.1152/jn.00677.2003. Individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) often demonstrate multijoint reflex activity that is clinically classified as an extensor spasm. These respo...

We hypothesized that the activation patterns of flexor and extensor muscles and the resulting kinematics of the forelimbs and hindlimbs during locomotion in the Rhesus would have unique characteristics relative to other quadrupedal mammals. Adaptations of limb movements and in motor pool recruitment patterns in accommodating a range of treadmill speeds similar to other terrestrial animals in bo...

background due to the fundamental role of gripping in most upper limb activities, grip strength promotion is a chief goal in the treatment of patients with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. kinesio taping is a novel and effective therapeutic technique believed to facilitate muscle contraction through stimulating mechanoreceptors and increasing the sensory feedback around the taped region. o...