Plasticity of motor systems after incomplete spinal cord injury

Although spontaneous regeneration of lesioned fibres is limited in the adul t central nervous system, many people that suffer from incomplete spinal co rd injuries show significant functional recovery. This recovery process can go on for several years after the injury and probably depends on the reorg anization of circuits that have been spared by the lesion. Synaptic plastic ity in pre-existing pathways and the formation of new circuits through coll ateral sprouting of lesioned and unlesioned fibres are important components of this recovery process. These reorganization processes might occur in co rtical and subcortical motor centres, in the spinal cord below the lesion, and in the spared fibre tracts that connect these centres. Functional and a natomical evidence exists that spontaneous plasticity can be potentiated by activity, as well as by specific experimental manipulations. These studies prepare the way to a better understanding of rehabilitation treatments and to the development of new approaches to treat spinal cord injury.