29 results on '"Dietz, Volker"'
Search Results
2. Spinal neuronal dysfunction after deprivation of supraspinal input
- Author
-
Hubli, Michèle, additional and Dietz, Volker, additional
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Spinal neuronal dysfunction after deprivation of supraspinal input
- Author
-
Hubli, Michèle, primary and Dietz, Volker, additional
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Secondary changes after damage of the central nervous system: significance of spastic muscle tone in rehabilitation
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker, primary and Sinkjaer, Thomas, additional
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Restoration of motor function after CNS damage: is there a potential beyond spontaneous recovery?
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker and Dietz, Volker
- Abstract
What determines the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation approaches on the outcome of function in stroke or spinal cord injured subjects? Many studies claim that an improvement of function is based on the intensity of training, while some actual studies indicate no additional gain in function by a more intensive training after a stroke. Inherent factors seem to determine outcome, such as damage of specific tracts in stroke and level of lesion in spinal cord injured subjects, while the improvement of function achieved by an intensive training is small in relation to the spontaneous recovery. It is argued that an individual capacity of recovery exists depending on such factors. This capacity can be exploited by a repetitive execution of functional movements (supported as far as required), irrespective of the intensity and technology applied. Elderly subjects have difficulties to translate the recovery of motor deficit into function. Alternative, non-training approaches to restore motor function, such as epidural or deep brain stimulation as well as CNS repair are still in an early clinical or in a translational stage.
- Published
- 2021
6. Computerized visual feedback: an adjunct to robotic-assisted gait training
- Author
-
Banz, Raphael, Bolliger, Marc, Colombo, Gery, Dietz, Volker, and Lunenburger, Lars
- Subjects
Patients -- Training -- Usage ,Gait -- Training -- Usage ,Visual education -- Usage ,Robotics -- Usage ,Health - Abstract
Background and Purpose. Robotic devices for walking rehabilitation allow new possibilities for providing performance-related information to patients during gait training. Based on motor learning principles, augmented feedback during robotic-assisted gait training might improve the rehabilitation process used to regain walking function. This report presents a method to provide visual feedback implemented in a driven gait orthosis (DGO). The purpose of the study was to compare the immediate effect on motor output in subjects during robotic-assisted gait training when they used computerized visual feedback and when they followed verbal instructions of a physical therapist. Subjects. Twelve people with neurological gait disorders due to incomplete spinal cord injury participated. Methods. Subjects were instructed to walk within the DGO in 2 different conditions. They were asked to increase their motor output by following the instructions of a therapist and by observing visual feedback. In addition, the subjects' opinions about using visual feedback were investigated by a questionnaire. Results. Computerized visual feedback and verbal instructions by the therapist were observed to result in a similar change in motor output in subjects when walking within the DGO. Subjects reported that they were more motivated and concentrated on their movements when using computerized visual feedback compared with when no form of feedback was provided. Discussion and Conclusion. Computerized visual feedback is a valuable adjunct to robotic-assisted gait training. It represents a relevant tool to increase patients' motor output, involvement, and motivation during gait training, similar to verbal instructions by a therapist., Restoration of walking is an important part of the rehabilitation process for patients with neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Locomotor training with partial [...]
- Published
- 2008
7. Neural coupling of cooperative hand movements : a reflex and fMRI study
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker, Macauda, Gianluca, Schrafl-Altermatt, Miriam, Wirz, Markus, Kloter, Evelyne, Michels, Lars, Dietz, Volker, Macauda, Gianluca, Schrafl-Altermatt, Miriam, Wirz, Markus, Kloter, Evelyne, and Michels, Lars
- Abstract
Erworben im Rahmen der Schweizer Nationallizenzen (http://www.nationallizenzen.ch), The neural control of "cooperative" hand movements reflecting "opening a bottle" was explored in human subjects by electromyographic (EMG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recordings. EMG responses to unilateral nonnoxious ulnar nerve stimulation were analyzed in the forearm muscles of both sides during dynamic movements against a torque applied by the right hand to a device which was compensated for by the left hand. For control, stimuli were applied while task was performed in a static/isometric mode and during bilateral synchronous pro-/supination movements. During the dynamic cooperative task, EMG responses to stimulations appeared in the right extensor and left flexor muscles, regardless of which side was stimulated. Under the control conditions, responses appeared only on the stimulated side. fMRI recordings showed a bilateral extra-activation and functional coupling of the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) during the dynamic cooperative, but not during the control, tasks. This activation might reflect processing of shared cutaneous input during the cooperative task. Correspondingly, it is assumed that stimulation-induced unilateral volleys are processed in S2, leading to a release of EMG responses to both forearms. This indicates a task-specific neural coupling during cooperative hand movements, which has consequences for the rehabilitation of hand function in poststroke patients.
- Published
- 2019
8. Locomotion in patients with spinal cord injuries
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker, Wirz, Markus, and Jensen, Lars
- Subjects
Human locomotion -- Research ,Paraplegics ,Spinal cord injuries -- Care and treatment - Abstract
Following central motor lesions, two forms of reorganization can be observed that lead to improved mobility: 1) the development of increased muscle tone and 2) the activation of spinal locomotor centers induced by specific treadmill training. Tension development is different from normal during spastic gait and appears to be independent of exaggerated monosynaptic stretch reflexes. Exaggerated stretch reflexes are associated with an absence or reduction of functionally essential polysynaptic reflexes. Based on observations of the locomotor capacity of the spinal cat, recent studies have indicated that spinal locomotor centers can be activated and trained in patients with complete or incomplete paraplegia when the body is partially unloaded. The level of electromyographic activity in the gastrocnemius muscle, however, is considerably lower in patients with central motor lesions than in persons without neurological impairments. During the course of a daily locomotor training program, the amplitude of gastrocnemius muscle electromyographic activity increases during tile stance phase and inappropriate tibia!is anterior muscle activity decreases. Such training programs can improve the ability of patients with incomplete paraplegia to walk on stationary surfaces. This article reviews the pathophysiology and functional importance of increased muscle tone and the effects of treadmill training on the locomotor pattern underlying new attempts to improve the mobility of patients with paraplegia. [Dietz V, Wirz M, Jensen L. Locomotion in patients with spinal cord injuries. Phys Ther. 1997;77:508-516.], Key Words: Incomplete/complete paraplegia, Increased muscle tone, Monosynaptic/polysynaptic reflexes, Spinal locomotor centers, Training effects. To control posture and gait, the central nervous system selectively utilizes afferent information from a variety [...]
- Published
- 1997
9. Secondary changes after CNS damage: The significance of spastic muscle tone in rehabilitation
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker, Ward, Nick, Dietz, V ( Volker ), Ward, N ( Nick ), Sinkjaer, Thomas, Dietz, Volker, Ward, Nick, Dietz, V ( Volker ), Ward, N ( Nick ), and Sinkjaer, Thomas
- Published
- 2015
10. Spinal neuronal dysfunction after deprivation of supraspinal input
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker, Ward, Nick, Dietz, V ( Volker ), Ward, N ( Nick ), Hubli, Michèle, Dietz, Volker, Ward, Nick, Dietz, V ( Volker ), Ward, N ( Nick ), and Hubli, Michèle
- Published
- 2015
11. Stem cell application in neurorehabilitation
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker, Ward, Nick, Dietz, V ( Volker ), Ward, N ( Nick ), Jessberger, Sebastian, Curt, Armin, Barker, Roger, Dietz, Volker, Ward, Nick, Dietz, V ( Volker ), Ward, N ( Nick ), Jessberger, Sebastian, Curt, Armin, and Barker, Roger
- Published
- 2015
12. Anmial models of damage, repair, and plasticity in the brain
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker, Ward, Nick, Dietz, V ( Volker ), Ward, N ( Nick ), Luft, Andreas, Dietz, Volker, Ward, Nick, Dietz, V ( Volker ), Ward, N ( Nick ), and Luft, Andreas
- Published
- 2015
13. Virtual reality in neurorehabilitation
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker, Ward, Nick, Dietz, V ( Volker ), Ward, N ( Nick ), Riener, Robert, Dietz, Volker, Ward, Nick, Dietz, V ( Volker ), Ward, N ( Nick ), and Riener, Robert
- Published
- 2015
14. Spinal neuronal dysfunction after deprivation of supraspinal input
- Author
-
Dietz, V, Ward, N S, Dietz, V ( V ), Ward, N S ( N S ), Hubli, M, Dietz, Volker, Dietz, V, Ward, N S, Dietz, V ( V ), Ward, N S ( N S ), Hubli, M, and Dietz, Volker
- Published
- 2015
15. Neural coupling of cooperative hand movements: A reflex and fMRI study
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker, Macauda, Gianluca, Schrafl-Altermatt, Miriam, Wirz, Markus, Kloter, Evelyne, Michels, Lars, Dietz, Volker, Macauda, Gianluca, Schrafl-Altermatt, Miriam, Wirz, Markus, Kloter, Evelyne, and Michels, Lars
- Abstract
The neural control of "cooperative" hand movements reflecting "opening a bottle" was explored in human subjects by electromyographic (EMG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recordings. EMG responses to unilateral nonnoxious ulnar nerve stimulation were analyzed in the forearm muscles of both sides during dynamic movements against a torque applied by the right hand to a device which was compensated for by the left hand. For control, stimuli were applied while task was performed in a static/isometric mode and during bilateral synchronous pro-/supination movements. During the dynamic cooperative task, EMG responses to stimulations appeared in the right extensor and left flexor muscles, regardless of which side was stimulated. Under the control conditions, responses appeared only on the stimulated side. fMRI recordings showed a bilateral extra-activation and functional coupling of the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) during the dynamic cooperative, but not during the control, tasks. This activation might reflect processing of shared cutaneous input during the cooperative task. Correspondingly, it is assumed that stimulation-induced unilateral volleys are processed in S2, leading to a release of EMG responses to both forearms. This indicates a task-specific neural coupling during cooperative hand movements, which has consequences for the rehabilitation of hand function in poststroke patients.
- Published
- 2015
16. Restoration of sensorimotor functions after spinal cord injury
- Author
-
Dietz, Volker, Fouad, Karim, Dietz, Volker, and Fouad, Karim
- Abstract
The purpose of this review is to discuss the achievements and perspectives regarding rehabilitation of sensorimotor functions after spinal cord injury. In the first part we discuss clinical approaches based on neuroplasticity, a term referring to all adaptive and maladaptive changes within the sensorimotor systems triggered by a spinal cord injury. Neuroplasticity can be facilitated through the training of movements with assistance as needed, and/or by electrical stimulation techniques. The success of such training in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury critically depends on the presence of physiological proprioceptive input to the spinal cord leading to meaningful muscle activations during movement performances. The addition of rehabilitation technology, such as robotic devices allows for longer training times and provision of feedback information regarding changes in movement performance. Nevertheless, the improvement of function by such approaches for rehabilitation is limited. In the second part, we discuss preclinical approaches to restore function by compensating for the loss of descending input to spinal networks following complete spinal cord injury. This can be achieved with stimulation of spinal networks or approaches to restore their descending input. Electrical and pharmacological stimulation of spinal neural networks is still in an experimental stage; and despite promising repair studies in animal models, translations to humans up to now have not been convincing. It is likely that combinations of techniques targeting the promotion of axonal regeneration and meaningful plasticity are necessary to advance the restoration of function. In the future, refinement of animal studies may contribute to greater translational success.
- Published
- 2014
17. Undirected compensatory plasticity contributes to neuronal dysfunction after severe spinal cord injury
- Author
-
Beauparlant, Janine, van den Brand, Rubia, Barraud, Quentin, Friedli, Lucia, Musienko, Pavel, Dietz, Volker, Courtine, Grégoire, Beauparlant, Janine, van den Brand, Rubia, Barraud, Quentin, Friedli, Lucia, Musienko, Pavel, Dietz, Volker, and Courtine, Grégoire
- Abstract
Severe spinal cord injury in humans leads to a progressive neuronal dysfunction in the chronic stage of the injury. This dysfunction is characterized by premature exhaustion of muscle activity during assisted locomotion, which is associated with the emergence of abnormal reflex responses. Here, we hypothesize that undirected compensatory plasticity within neural systems caudal to a severe spinal cord injury contributes to the development of neuronal dysfunction in the chronic stage of the injury. We evaluated alterations in functional, electrophysiological and neuromorphological properties of lumbosacral circuitries in adult rats with a staggered thoracic hemisection injury. In the chronic stage of the injury, rats exhibited significant neuronal dysfunction, which was characterized by co-activation of antagonistic muscles, exhaustion of locomotor muscle activity, and deterioration of electrochemically-enabled gait patterns. As observed in humans, neuronal dysfunction was associated with the emergence of abnormal, long-latency reflex responses in leg muscles. Analyses of circuit, fibre and synapse density in segments caudal to the spinal cord injury revealed an extensive, lamina-specific remodelling of neuronal networks in response to the interruption of supraspinal input. These plastic changes restored a near-normal level of synaptic input within denervated spinal segments in the chronic stage of injury. Syndromic analysis uncovered significant correlations between the development of neuronal dysfunction, emergence of abnormal reflexes, and anatomical remodelling of lumbosacral circuitries. Together, these results suggest that spinal neurons deprived of supraspinal input strive to re-establish their synaptic environment. However, this undirected compensatory plasticity forms aberrant neuronal circuits, which may engage inappropriate combinations of sensorimotor networks during gait execution.
- Published
- 2013
18. Impaired modulation of quadriceps tendon jerk reflex during spastic gait: differences between spinal and cerebral lesions
- Author
-
Faist, Michael, Ertel, Matthias, Berger, Wiltrud, Dietz, Volker, Faist, Michael, Ertel, Matthias, Berger, Wiltrud, and Dietz, Volker
- Abstract
In healthy subjects, functionally appropriate modulation of short latency leg muscle reflexes occurs during gait. This modulation has been ascribed, in part, to changes in presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferents. The changes in modulation of quadriceps tendon jerk reflexes during gait of healthy subjects were compared with those of hemi- or paraparetic spastic patients. The spasticity was due to unilateral cerebral infarction or traumatic spinal cord injury, respectively. The modulation of the quadriceps femoris tendon jerk reflex at 16 phases of the step cycle was studied. The reflex responses obtained during treadmill walking were compared with control values obtained during gait-mimicking standing postures with corresponding levels of voluntary muscle contraction and knee angles. In healthy subjects the size of the reflexes was profoundly modulated and was generally depressed throughout the step cycle. In patients with spinal lesion the reflex depression during gait was almost removed and was associated with weak or no modulation during the step cycle. In patients with cerebral lesion there was less depression of the reflex size associated with a reduced reflex modulation on the affected side compared with healthy subjects. On the 'sunaffected' side of these patients reflex modulation was similar to that of healthy subjects, but the reflex size during gait was not significantly different from standing control values. These observations suggest that the mechanisms responsible for the depression of reflex size and the modulation normally seen during gait in healthy subjects are impaired to different extents in spasticity of spinal or cerebral origin, possibly due to the unilateral preservation of fibre tracts in hemiparesis
- Published
- 1999
19. Restoration of motor function after CNS damage: is there a potential beyond spontaneous recovery?
- Author
-
Volker Dietz, University of Zurich, and Dietz, Volker
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Deep brain stimulation ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Spontaneous recovery ,neuroplasticity ,610 Medicine & health ,Review Article ,Lesion ,Physical medicine and rehabilitation ,CNS damage ,Neuroplasticity ,medicine ,Stroke ,Neurorehabilitation ,neurorehabilitation ,business.industry ,AcademicSubjects/SCI01870 ,motor function ,General Engineering ,medicine.disease ,Spinal cord ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,10046 Balgrist University Hospital, Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Center ,AcademicSubjects/MED00310 ,medicine.symptom ,Motor Deficit ,business - Abstract
What determines the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation approaches on the outcome of function in stroke or spinal cord injured subjects? Many studies claim that an improvement of function is based on the intensity of training, while some actual studies indicate no additional gain in function by a more intensive training after a stroke. Inherent factors seem to determine outcome, such as damage of specific tracts in stroke and level of lesion in spinal cord injured subjects, while the improvement of function achieved by an intensive training is small in relation to the spontaneous recovery. It is argued that an individual capacity of recovery exists depending on such factors. This capacity can be exploited by a repetitive execution of functional movements (supported as far as required), irrespective of the intensity and technology applied. Elderly subjects have difficulties to translate the recovery of motor deficit into function. Alternative, non-training approaches to restore motor function, such as epidural or deep brain stimulation as well as CNS repair are still in an early clinical or in a translational stage., Inherent factors determine outcome of function after a CNS lesion, i.e. damage of specific tracts in stroke and level of lesion in SCI subjects. There exists an individual capacity of recovery. This capacity can be exploited by a repetitive execution of functional movements irrespective of the intensity or technology applied., Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract
- Published
- 2021
20. Music Supported Therapy in Neurorehabilitation
- Author
-
Eckart Altenmüller, Lauren Stewart, Dietz, Volker, and Ward, Nicholas
- Subjects
human activities - Abstract
Music-induced brain plasticity is a powerful means to improve neurologic function in rehabilitation following brain injury or degenerative disease. In motor dysfunctions following stroke, keyboard playing may improve fine motor functions along with neurophysiological changes in audiomotor networks. Rhythmic cueing has a positive effect in gait disorders, improving stride length, speed, and overall mobility. Melodic intonation therapy can improve recovery from non-fluent aphasia via activation of right-hemispheric networks. Music supported therapy can at least temporarily improve cognition in dementia and may have impact on rehabilitation of disorders of consciousness. Effects of music-induced brain plasticity together with music’s ability to tap into the emotion and reward system in the brain can thus be used to facilitate neurorehabilitation.
- Published
- 2020
21. Stem cell application in neurorehabilitation
- Author
-
Roger A. Barker, Sebastian Jessberger, Armin Curt, University of Zurich, Dietz, Volker, and Ward, Nick
- Subjects
business.industry ,Medicine ,610 Medicine & health ,10046 Balgrist University Hospital, Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Center ,Stem cell ,business ,Neuroscience ,Neurorehabilitation - Abstract
A number of diseases of the brain and spinal cord are associated with substantial neural cell death and/or disruption of correct and functional neural networks. In the past, a variety of therapeutic strategies to rescue these systems have been proposed along with agents to induce functional plasticity within the remaining central nervous system (CNS) structures. In the case of injury or neurodegenerative disease these approaches have only met with limited success, indicating the need for novel approaches to treat diseases of the adult CNS. Recently, the idea of recruiting endogenous or transplanting stem cells to replace lost structures within the adult brain or spinal cord has gained significant attention, along with in situ reprogramming, and opened up novel therapeutic avenues in the context of regenerative medicine. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of how endogenous stem cells may be a part of pathological processes in certain neuropsychiatric diseases and summarize recent clinical and preclinical data suggesting that stem cell-based therapies hold great promise as a future treatment option in a number of diseases disrupting the proper function of the adult CNS.
- Published
- 2020
22. Restoration of motor function after CNS damage: is there a potential beyond spontaneous recovery?
- Author
-
Dietz V
- Abstract
What determines the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation approaches on the outcome of function in stroke or spinal cord injured subjects? Many studies claim that an improvement of function is based on the intensity of training, while some actual studies indicate no additional gain in function by a more intensive training after a stroke. Inherent factors seem to determine outcome, such as damage of specific tracts in stroke and level of lesion in spinal cord injured subjects, while the improvement of function achieved by an intensive training is small in relation to the spontaneous recovery. It is argued that an individual capacity of recovery exists depending on such factors. This capacity can be exploited by a repetitive execution of functional movements (supported as far as required), irrespective of the intensity and technology applied. Elderly subjects have difficulties to translate the recovery of motor deficit into function. Alternative, non-training approaches to restore motor function, such as epidural or deep brain stimulation as well as CNS repair are still in an early clinical or in a translational stage., (© The Author(s) (2021). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Neural coupling of cooperative hand movements: a reflex and fMRI study.
- Author
-
Dietz V, Macauda G, Schrafl-Altermatt M, Wirz M, Kloter E, and Michels L
- Subjects
- Adult, Biomechanical Phenomena, Brain Mapping, Electric Stimulation, Electromyography, Female, Functional Laterality, Humans, Isometric Contraction physiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Muscle, Skeletal physiology, Neural Pathways physiology, Psychophysics, Torque, Ulnar Nerve physiology, Brain physiology, Hand physiology, Movement physiology, Reflex physiology
- Abstract
The neural control of "cooperative" hand movements reflecting "opening a bottle" was explored in human subjects by electromyographic (EMG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recordings. EMG responses to unilateral nonnoxious ulnar nerve stimulation were analyzed in the forearm muscles of both sides during dynamic movements against a torque applied by the right hand to a device which was compensated for by the left hand. For control, stimuli were applied while task was performed in a static/isometric mode and during bilateral synchronous pro-/supination movements. During the dynamic cooperative task, EMG responses to stimulations appeared in the right extensor and left flexor muscles, regardless of which side was stimulated. Under the control conditions, responses appeared only on the stimulated side. fMRI recordings showed a bilateral extra-activation and functional coupling of the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) during the dynamic cooperative, but not during the control, tasks. This activation might reflect processing of shared cutaneous input during the cooperative task. Correspondingly, it is assumed that stimulation-induced unilateral volleys are processed in S2, leading to a release of EMG responses to both forearms. This indicates a task-specific neural coupling during cooperative hand movements, which has consequences for the rehabilitation of hand function in poststroke patients., (© The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Restoration of sensorimotor functions after spinal cord injury.
- Author
-
Dietz V and Fouad K
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Spinal Cord Injuries physiopathology, Spinal Cord Injuries therapy, Neuronal Plasticity physiology, Spinal Cord Injuries rehabilitation
- Abstract
The purpose of this review is to discuss the achievements and perspectives regarding rehabilitation of sensorimotor functions after spinal cord injury. In the first part we discuss clinical approaches based on neuroplasticity, a term referring to all adaptive and maladaptive changes within the sensorimotor systems triggered by a spinal cord injury. Neuroplasticity can be facilitated through the training of movements with assistance as needed, and/or by electrical stimulation techniques. The success of such training in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury critically depends on the presence of physiological proprioceptive input to the spinal cord leading to meaningful muscle activations during movement performances. The addition of rehabilitation technology, such as robotic devices allows for longer training times and provision of feedback information regarding changes in movement performance. Nevertheless, the improvement of function by such approaches for rehabilitation is limited. In the second part, we discuss preclinical approaches to restore function by compensating for the loss of descending input to spinal networks following complete spinal cord injury. This can be achieved with stimulation of spinal networks or approaches to restore their descending input. Electrical and pharmacological stimulation of spinal neural networks is still in an experimental stage; and despite promising repair studies in animal models, translations to humans up to now have not been convincing. It is likely that combinations of techniques targeting the promotion of axonal regeneration and meaningful plasticity are necessary to advance the restoration of function. In the future, refinement of animal studies may contribute to greater translational success.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Undirected compensatory plasticity contributes to neuronal dysfunction after severe spinal cord injury.
- Author
-
Beauparlant J, van den Brand R, Barraud Q, Friedli L, Musienko P, Dietz V, and Courtine G
- Subjects
- Animals, Disease Models, Animal, Electric Stimulation, Electrodes, Implanted, Exercise Test, Female, Hindlimb physiopathology, Muscle, Skeletal physiopathology, Rats, Spinal Cord cytology, Spinal Cord Injuries complications, Nerve Net physiopathology, Neuronal Plasticity physiology, Severity of Illness Index, Spinal Cord physiopathology, Spinal Cord Injuries physiopathology
- Abstract
Severe spinal cord injury in humans leads to a progressive neuronal dysfunction in the chronic stage of the injury. This dysfunction is characterized by premature exhaustion of muscle activity during assisted locomotion, which is associated with the emergence of abnormal reflex responses. Here, we hypothesize that undirected compensatory plasticity within neural systems caudal to a severe spinal cord injury contributes to the development of neuronal dysfunction in the chronic stage of the injury. We evaluated alterations in functional, electrophysiological and neuromorphological properties of lumbosacral circuitries in adult rats with a staggered thoracic hemisection injury. In the chronic stage of the injury, rats exhibited significant neuronal dysfunction, which was characterized by co-activation of antagonistic muscles, exhaustion of locomotor muscle activity, and deterioration of electrochemically-enabled gait patterns. As observed in humans, neuronal dysfunction was associated with the emergence of abnormal, long-latency reflex responses in leg muscles. Analyses of circuit, fibre and synapse density in segments caudal to the spinal cord injury revealed an extensive, lamina-specific remodelling of neuronal networks in response to the interruption of supraspinal input. These plastic changes restored a near-normal level of synaptic input within denervated spinal segments in the chronic stage of injury. Syndromic analysis uncovered significant correlations between the development of neuronal dysfunction, emergence of abnormal reflexes, and anatomical remodelling of lumbosacral circuitries. Together, these results suggest that spinal neurons deprived of supraspinal input strive to re-establish their synaptic environment. However, this undirected compensatory plasticity forms aberrant neuronal circuits, which may engage inappropriate combinations of sensorimotor networks during gait execution.
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Locomotion in stroke subjects: interactions between unaffected and affected sides.
- Author
-
Kloter E, Wirz M, and Dietz V
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Biomechanical Phenomena, Electric Stimulation methods, Electromyography methods, Evoked Potentials physiology, Gait Disorders, Neurologic pathology, Humans, Leg innervation, Leg physiopathology, Middle Aged, Muscle, Skeletal physiopathology, Reflex physiology, Spinal Cord physiopathology, Stroke pathology, Tibial Nerve physiopathology, Functional Laterality physiology, Gait Disorders, Neurologic etiology, Movement physiology, Stroke complications
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensorimotor interactions between unaffected and affected sides of post-stroke subjects during locomotion. In healthy subjects, stimulation of the tibial nerve during the mid-stance phase is followed by electromyography responses not only in the ipsilateral tibialis anterior, but also in the proximal arm muscles of both sides, with larger amplitudes prior to swing over an obstacle compared with normal swing. In post-stroke subjects, the electromyography responses were stronger on both sides when the tibial nerve of the unaffected leg was stimulated compared with stimulation of the affected leg. This difference was more pronounced when stimuli were applied prior to swing over an obstacle than prior to normal swing. This indicates an impaired processing of afferent input from the affected leg resulting in attenuated and little task-modulated reflex responses in the arm muscles on both sides. In contrast, an afferent volley from the unaffected leg resulted in larger electromyography responses, even in the muscles of the affected arm. Arm muscle activations were stronger during swing over an obstacle than during normal swing, with no difference in electromyography amplitudes between the unaffected and affected sides. It is concluded that the deficits of the affected arm are compensated for by influences from the unaffected side. These observations indicate strong mutual influences between unaffected and affected sides during locomotion of post-stroke subjects, which might be used to optimize rehabilitation approaches.
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Ready for human spinal cord repair?
- Author
-
Dietz V
- Subjects
- Animals, Disease Models, Animal, Humans, Nerve Regeneration, Olfactory Mucosa cytology, Olfactory Mucosa transplantation, Species Specificity, Spinal Cord Injuries rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injuries surgery
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Degradation of neuronal function following a spinal cord injury: mechanisms and countermeasures.
- Author
-
Dietz V and Müller R
- Subjects
- Action Potentials, Adult, Chronic Disease, Electric Stimulation, Electromyography methods, Female, Gait physiology, Humans, Leg, Locomotion physiology, Male, Middle Aged, Motor Activity physiology, Muscle, Skeletal physiopathology, Neuronal Plasticity physiology, Orthotic Devices, Peripheral Nerves physiopathology, Time Factors, Neurons physiology, Spinal Cord physiopathology, Spinal Cord Injuries physiopathology
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of spinal neuronal activity following spinal cord injury (SCI). In patients with a complete SCI, the leg muscle EMG activity early and up to 33 years after an SCI was analysed during locomotor movements induced and assisted by a driven gait orthosis (DGO). Only in chronic SCI patients did a premature exhaustion of neuronal activity occur. This was reflected in a reduced density and fading of leg muscle EMG activity. The early exhaustion of EMG activity was more pronounced in the leg flexor (e.g. biceps femoris) than extensor (e.g. gastrocnemius) muscles. The timing of the leg muscle pattern remained unchanged in the chronic patients. A preserved amplitude of motor action potentials following repetitive peripheral nerve stimulation and during spasms indicated an interneuronal site of impairment. In patients who participated in a locomotor training programme lasting up to 13 weeks, no positive effect on the slope of exhaustion was seen. It is concluded that a degradation of spinal neuronal activity takes place following an SCI. If in the future regeneration of spinal tract fibres becomes feasible in patients with complete SCI, such an approach can only become functionally successful if neuronal activity below the level of the lesion is maintained. This might be achieved by a continuous training approach starting early after injury.
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Locomotor activity in spinal man: significance of afferent input from joint and load receptors.
- Author
-
Dietz V, Müller R, and Colombo G
- Subjects
- Adult, Afferent Pathways physiology, Electromyography, Humans, Middle Aged, Muscle Spindles physiology, Statistics, Nonparametric, Weight-Bearing, Hip Joint physiology, Motor Activity physiology, Orthotic Devices, Paraplegia physiopathology
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to differentiate the effects of body load and joint movements on the leg muscle activation pattern during assisted locomotion in spinal man. Stepping movements were induced by a driven gait orthosis (DGO) on a treadmill in patients with complete para-/tetraplegia and, for comparison, in healthy subjects. All subjects were unloaded by 70% of their body weight. EMG of upper and lower leg muscles and joint movements of the DGO of both legs were recorded. In the patients, normal stepping movements and those mainly restricted to the hips (blocked knees) were associated with a pattern of leg muscle EMG activity that corresponded to that of the healthy subjects, but the amplitude was smaller. Locomotor movements restricted to imposed ankle joint movements were followed by no, or only focal EMG responses in the stretched muscles. Unilateral locomotion in the patients was associated with a normal pattern of leg muscle EMG activity restricted to the moving side, while in the healthy subjects a bilateral activation occurred. This indicates that interlimb coordination depends on a supraspinal input. During locomotion with 100% body unloading in healthy subjects and patients, no EMG activity was present. Thus, it can be concluded that afferent input from hip joints, in combination with that from load receptors, plays a crucial role in the generation of locomotor activity in the isolated human spinal cord. This is in line with observations from infant stepping experiments and experiments in cats. Afferent feedback from knee and ankle joints may be involved largely in the control of focal movements.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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