Effects of training with a novel mechano-sensory rehabilitation bicycle on functional recovery and spinal plasticity in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury
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Date
2016
Authors
Mortaza, Niyousha
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Abstract
The present study evaluated the effects of training with a mechano-sensory rehabilitation bicycle(MSR) on different aspects of walking, balance and plasticity of the neuronal pathways in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries(iSCI). This bicycle stimulates multisensory inputs through mechanical stimulators at the pedals and passive cycling respectively. To assess the effect of training, ten non-injured and five iSCI individuals participated in a single-bout training study while two of the iSCI individuals also participated in an eight-week training study. Primary outcome measures included 10-meter and 6-minute walk tests, Berg Balance Scale and paired H-reflex depression. The results showed trends toward modifications in H-reflex depression in the non-injured group and iSCI participants with spasticity after the single-bout training study. The results of the eight-week training study showed improvement in balance and walking. In conclusion, MSR training may be beneficial as a complementary method to locomotion training or spasticity medications.
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Keywords
Spinal cord injury, H-reflex, MSR training, Cycling, Mechanical stimulation, Berg balance scale