Long term effects of locomotor training in spinal humans

The long term effects of locomotor training in patients with spinal cord in jury (SCI) were studied. In patients with complete or incomplete SCI coordi nated stepping movements were induced and trained by bodyweight support and standing on a moving treadmill. The leg extensor muscle EMG activity in bo th groups of patients increased significantly over the training period, ass ociated with improved locomotor ability in those with incomplete SCI. Durin g a period of more than 3 years after training, the level of leg extensor E MG remained about constant in incomplete SCI in those who regularly maintai ned locomotor activity. By contrast the EMG significantly fell in those wit h complete SCI. The results suggest a training induced plasticity of neuron al centres in the isolated spinal card which may be of relevance for future interventional therapies.