Measurement properties of assessment instruments of quality of life in people with spinal cord injury: A systematic review.

CONTEXT: A spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) is a devastating condition that affects all areas of a person's life, including quality of life (QoL). Assessing this construct using clinical instruments with adequate measurement properties is fundamental for an effective multi-professional treatment. OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical instruments for assessing the QoL that present the best recommendation for use in people with SCI based on their measurement properties. METHODS: The overall methodology was conducted according to Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) systematic review guidance and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A literature search was conducted up to March 2023 on MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase databases. RESULTS: Seventy-seven studies were included in this review, and 49 instruments were identified. The overall methodological quality of all studies ranged from insufficient to sufficient, and the level of evidence ranged from very low to high confidence. Twenty-six instruments may have the potential to be recommended, and the other 23 should not be recommended. CONCLUSION: None of the QoL instruments can be highly recommended as the most suitable instrument for the construct and population of interest. The generic instruments SF-36, SF-12, QWB, WHOQOL-DIS, WHOQOL-BREF, QLI-SCI, QOLP-PD, LS Questions, Lisat-9, and BRFSS are the clinical instruments that have the best measurement properties tested and have the potential to be the current best recommendation for assessing QoL in individuals with SCI.

Reliability and validity of the T-shirt test for the assessment of unsupported sitting in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.

This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the T-shirt test (TST) in assessing sitting stability under three thigh support conditions and with timed outcomes derived in six ways among individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI). The TST was performed five times under three thigh support conditions (85%, 55% and 25% of total thigh length) in two evaluations spaced between 7-14 days. For each thigh condition, six different outcomes were derived (average or best time from 2, 3, and 5 trial). All outcomes derivation showed excellent reliability on test day (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC  ≥ 0.997) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.874) for each thigh support condition. The TST showed high inverse correlations with the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM)-mobility score for all outcomes and support conditions (ρ≥-0.706), except for Best-5; moderate inverse correlations with total SCIM-total scores for most outcome derivations and support conditions (ρ≥-0.636); and a moderate inverse correlation with confidence and capacity domains of Wheelchair Skills Test-Questionnaire for most outcome derivation and support conditions (ρ≥-0.504). The TST could discriminate cervical from high and low thoracic levels of injuries under minimal thigh support condition. Overall, all the TST-derived outcomes and support conditions showed adequate validity and test-retest reliability, but Best-5 had inconsistency. Under the minimal thigh support condition, all outcome derivations except Best-3 could discriminate cervical from other injury-level groups. Although all outcome derivations and thigh support conditions provided reliable results, we recommend using the average of 3 trials under the maximal thigh support condition.

The 2022 Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to train physiotherapists in the management of people with spinal cord injuries: a qualitative and quantitative analysis of learners' experiences and its impact.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational. OBJECTIVES: To determine the learners' experience and the impact of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) conducted to teach physiotherapists about the management of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). METHODS: A SCI MOOC for physiotherapists was run in 5 different languages at the end of 2022. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from different sources including registration details, pre- and post-MOOC Knowledge Assessments, a post-MOOC Evaluation, social media posts and online tracking of websites and emails. The data were used to answer four key questions: (i) what was the reach of the MOOC, (ii) what did participants think about the MOOC (iii) did the MOOC change participants' knowledge and/or confidence, and (iv) did the MOOC change participants' clinical practice or the way they teach others? RESULTS: 25,737 people from 169 countries registered for the MOOC. 98% of participants who completed the Evaluation (n = 2281) rated the MOOC as either "good" or "very good". Participants' knowledge improved by a median (IQR) of 25% (10 to 45%) (n = 4016 participants) on the MOOC Knowledge Assessment. Participants reported changes in confidence, and intentions to change clinical practice and incorporate what they had learnt into the way they teach others in response to the MOOC. CONCLUSION: The MOOC provided an efficient way to increase physiotherapists' knowledge about the physiotherapy management of people with SCI. Participants enjoyed the MOOC, and indicated an intention to change clinical practice and the way they taught others.

Measurement Properties of Clinical Instruments for Assessing Manual Wheelchair Mobility in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the measurement properties of clinical instruments used to assess manual wheelchair mobility in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). DATA SOURCES: This systematic review was conducted according to the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments guidance and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The search was conducted up to December 2021 on MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Biblioteca Regional de Medicina, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health databases without time restriction. STUDY SELECTION: Peer-reviewed original research articles that examined any clinical wheelchair mobility and/or skill assessment instrument among adults with SCI and reported data on at least one measurement property or described the development procedure were evaluated independently by two reviewers. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were independently extracted according to Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments methodology. Measurement property results from each study were independently rated by two reviewers as sufficient, insufficient, indeterminate, or inconsistent. The evidence for each measurement property was rated as high, moderate, low, or very low (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Recommendations for highly-rated instruments were performed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-nine studies with 21 instruments were identified. The methodological quality of studies ranged from insufficient to sufficient, and the quality of evidence ranged from very low to high. Six instruments reported content validity. Reliability and construct validity were the most studied measurement properties. Structural validity and invariance for cross-cultural measurement were not reported. The highly rated instruments were the Wheelchair Outcome Measure and Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Although numerous instruments for assessing wheelchair mobility and/or skills among individuals with SCI were identified, not many measurement properties have been sufficiently established. The Wheelchair Outcome Measure and Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire show the current best potential to be recommended for clinical and research use. Further studies are needed to strengthen or change these recommendations.

Labour market participation among rehabilitated individuals with spinal cord injury in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To document the labour market participation rate and investigate the impact of social and economic characteristics on this outcome among individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) who participated in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme in Brazil. SETTING: A specialised rehabilitation centre in southern Brazil. METHODS: An interview was performed with former rehabilitation clients with SCI/D. A total of 111 community-dwelling individuals with SCI/D who had been previously rehabilitated in a large regional rehabilitation centre were considered. Employment status and demographic, injury, work, and economic characteristics were self-reported via interview. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The labour market participation rate was 21.6% (24 individuals). Five respondents were employed in formal work activities, and the other 19 were involved in informal activities (self-employed). Since the onset of injury, a shorter time was associated with nonparticipation in occupational work. Individuals with a higher level of education were more likely to be working. Household income was higher among the participants who had returned to work than among those who had not returned. CONCLUSION: There is a relatively low labour market participation rate among rehabilitated individuals with SCI/D in southern Brazil. The rehabilitation services should emphasise vocational training, access to education, and employment support for individuals with SCI/D from early onset after the injury. Public policies must be revised to support labour market participation among individuals with SCI/D in Brazil.

Cross-cultural Adaptation of Self-report S4-5 Sensory and Motor Function Questionnaire (S4-5Q) in People with Spinal Cord Injury to Portuguese.

Objective The "Self-report S4-5 sensory and motor function questionnaire (S4-5Q)" is a short questionnaire that aims to assess the function of the sacral segments, S4 and S5, after a spinal cord injury (SCI), with the purpose of replacing the rectal exam test. The aim of the present study was to carry out a cross-cultural adaptation of the S4-5Q to the Brazilian Portuguese language and to investigate the test-retest reliability of this version. Method The translation and cross-cultural adaptation was performed using the methodology of translation and backtranslation. Initially, translations were done by three independent translators. Their synthesis was then submitted to an expert committee for analysis (SCI health professionals); then, the backtranslation to the original language was sent to the original author and, after all the adjustments, the final version was completed. For test-retest reliability, 24 individuals with chronic SCI were recruited (2 evaluations with an interval of 7 to 14 days between them). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM-SPSS (Version 20, SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) with data pretabulated in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA). Reliability was tested with Cohen Kappa, and internal consistency with Cronbach α, both adopting p < 0.05 as significant. Results In the reliability analysis, the results of all questions showed almost perfect agreement (Kappa > 0.81) and good internal consistency (Cronbach α: 0.65-0.77) between the questions and final classification. Conclusion The cross-culturally adapted S4-5Q is reliable to be applied to the Brazilian population with chronic SCI to determine their S4-5 sensory and motor function.

Cross-cultural Adaptation of Self-report S4-5 Sensory and Motor Function Questionnaire (S4-5Q) in People with Spinal Cord Injury to Portuguese / Adaptação transcultural para o Português do questionário de autorrelato da função sensorial e motora de S4-5 (S4-5Q) em pessoas com lesão medular espinhal

Abstract Objective The "Self-report S4-5 sensory and motor function questionnaire (S4-5Q)" is a short questionnaire that aims to assess the function of the sacral segments, S4 and S5, after a spinal cord injury (SCI), with the purpose of replacing the rectal exam test. The aim of the present study was to carry out a cross-cultural adaptation of the S4-5Q to the Brazilian Portuguese language and to investigate the test-retest reliability of this version. Method The translation and cross-cultural adaptation was performed using the methodology of translation and backtranslation. Initially, translations were done by three independent translators. Their synthesis was then submitted to an expert committee for analysis (SCI health professionals); then, the backtranslation to the original language was sent to the original author and, after all the adjustments, the final version was completed. For test-retest reliability, 24 individuals with chronic SCI were recruited (2 evaluations with an interval of 7 to 14 days between them). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM-SPSS (Version 20, SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) with data pretabulated in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA). Reliability was tested with Cohen Kappa, and internal consistency with Cronbach α, both adopting p < 0.05 as significant. Results In the reliability analysis, the results of all questions showed almost perfect agreement (Kappa > 0.81) and good internal consistency (Cronbach α: 0.65-0.77) between the questions and final classification. Conclusion The cross-culturally adapted S4-5Q is reliable to be applied to the Brazilian population with chronic SCI to determine their S4-5 sensory and motor function.

Resumo Objetivo O "Self-report S4-5 Sensory and Motor Function Questionnaire (S4-5Q)" é um breve questionário de avaliação da função dos segmentos sacrais S4 e S5 após uma lesão medular (LM), cuja finalidade é substituir o exame de toque retal. O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma adaptação transcultural do questionário S4-5Q para a língua portuguesa do Brasil e investigar a confiabilidade teste-reteste desta versão. Método A tradução e a adaptação transcultural foram realizadas utilizando a metodologia de tradução e retrotradução. Inicialmente, as traduções foram realizadas por três tradutores independentes. Sua síntese foi então submetida a um comitê de especialistas (profissionais de saúde com experiência em LM). Em seguida, a retrotradução para o idioma original foi enviada ao autor original, sendo que a versão final foi concluída após todas as adaptações. Para a confiabilidade teste-reteste, foram recrutados 24 indivíduos com lesão medular espinal (LME) em fase crônica (2 avaliações com intervalo de 7 a 14 dias entre elas). A análise estatística foi realizada no IBM-SPSS (Version 20, SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) com dados pré- tabulados no programa Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, EUA). A confiabilidade foi testada por meio do coeficiente Kappa de Cohen, e a consistência interna foi medida através do α de Cronbach, ambas adotando p < 0,05 como significante. Resultados Na análise de confiabilidade, os resultados de todas as perguntas apresentaram concordância quase perfeita (Kappa > 0,81) e boa consistência interna (α de Cronbach: 0,65-0,77) entre as perguntas e a classificação final. Conclusão O questionário S4-5Q adaptado culturalmente é confiável, podendo ser aplicado à população brasileira com LME crônica, com o objetivo de avaliar a função sensorial e motora nos segmentos sacrais S4-S5.

Constraint-induced movement therapy for lower extremity use in activities of daily living in people with chronic hemiparesis: multiple case study.

Lower extremity constraint-induced movement therapy (LE-CIMT) is an intensive intervention protocol recently reported to improve lower extremity use in individuals with chronic hemiparesis. To test if the LE-CIMT that uses essential CIMT components, including the transfer package and intensive task-oriented training, is a feasible and potentially effective intervention to improve the lower extremity real-world use and functional ability in a group of individuals with chronic hemiparesis. A quasi-experimental pre- and post-test design study with 12 individuals with chronic stroke and impaired ambulation skills engaged in a 10-weekday LE-CIMT. Intervention feasibility was assessed, examining the training adherence, acceptability, and safety. The lower extremity motor activity log (LE-MAL), lower extremity motor function test (LE-MFT), timed up and go (TUG) and spatiotemporal gait parameters were used as clinical outcomes. Clinical data were collected at baseline, 3-day post-CIMT protocol and 30-day follow-up assessment. At baseline, LE-MAL and LE-MFT outcomes were tested over 2-week apart to ensure a stable measurement and determine the smallest real difference (SRD) in the study sample. The LE-CIMT showed excellent adherence, acceptability and safety. Ten out of 12 participants showed improvements over SRD in LE-MAL composite score (1.2 point) and eight participants in LE-MFT adjusted scores (0.8 point) in post-CIMT and 30-day follow-ups. LE-CIMT is a feasible intervention that has the potential to promote improvements in real-world use and functional ability of the paretic lower extremity in individuals with chronic stroke.

Postural control and the influence of the extent of thigh support on dynamic sitting balance among individuals with thoracic spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Unsupported sitting balance with reduced thigh support is necessary during several daily living activities among individuals with spinal cord injury. This study proposed to compare dynamic unsupported sitting postural control under reduced thigh support conditions in individuals with motor-complete thoracic spinal cord injury and able-bodied individuals. METHODS: Thirteen individuals with spinal cord injury and thirteen able-bodied individuals were asked to put on a t-shirt and reach forward while sitting on a force platform using maximum, medium or minimum thigh support extent. Postural control was measured by the center of pressure parameters. FINDINGS: Individuals with spinal cord injury presented larger postural sway parameters and mean velocity of the center of pressure displacement in anterior-posterior direction during the t-shirt wearing task. On the other hand, these parameters were lower in the medial-lateral direction. These results are more expressive when the task was performed in reduced thigh support conditions [F(1,76) = 5.05-18.70; p < 0.05]. Lower postural sway parameters and mean velocity of the center of pressure displacement in anterior-posterior, and postural sway in medial-lateral direction in the three thigh support conditions were observed when individuals with spinal cord injury performed the forward reaching task [F(1,76) = 9.81-185.46; p < 0.01]. INTERPRETATION: The results confirm that individuals with motor-complete thoracic spinal cord injury have poor postural stability and show a trunk postural sway constraint to maintain the suboptimal unsupported sitting balance. Reduced thigh support extent can challenge the dynamic sitting balance in individuals with thoracic spinal cord injury and should be indicated to train new and diversified postural control strategies.

Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury and physical exercise in animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the effects of physical exercise on neuropathic pain (NP) in animal models of SCI. The search was conducted in Medline and Science Direct to identify experimental preclinical studies involving animal models of SCI, physical exercise as an intervention and the assessment of NP. Fifteen articles met the eligibility criteria. The review shows that in studies of NP involving animal models of SCI, rodents are the most common species. Thoracic contusion is the most common injury and mechanical and thermal nociception are the most frequently assessed NP components. The benefits of physical exercise vary according to its starting period and total duration. In addition, there is considerable heterogeneity regarding the type and intensity of exercise capable of alleviating NP after SCI. Furthermore, physical exercise has beneficial effects on mechanical, thermal and cold nociception, and spontaneous pain. These results are weakened by the paucity of studies involving these pain outcomes. The review protocol is published for free access on the SyRF platform (http://syrf.org.uk/protocols/).

Functional Recovery Occurs Even After Partial Remyelination of Axon-Meshed Median and Ulnar Nerves in Mice.

Upper limb nerve injuries are common, and their treatment poses a challenge for physicians and surgeons. Experimental models help in minimum exploration of the functional characteristics of peripheral nerve injuries of forelimbs. This study was conducted to characterize the functional recovery (1, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days) after median and ulnar nerve crush in mice and analyze the histological and biochemical markers of nerve regeneration (after 21 days). Sensory-functional impairments appeared after 1 day. The peripheral nerve morphology, the nerve structure, and the density of myelin proteins [myelin protein zero (P0) and peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22)] were analyzed after 21 days. Cold allodynia and fine motor coordination recovery occurred on the 10th day, and grip strength recovery was observed on the 14th day after injury. After 21 days, there was partial myelin sheath recovery. PMP22 recovery was complete, whereas P0 recovery was not. Results suggest that there is complete functional recovery even with partial remyelination of median and ulnar nerves in mice.

Do clinical balance measures have the ability to predict falls among ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Fall prevalence is high among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and falls may lead to serious consequences. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of clinical balance measures to predict falls among ambulatory individuals with SCI. METHODS: We searched the online databases MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, SportDiscuss, and CINAHL. Two reviewers independently selected prospective and cross-sectional studies of ambulatory adults with SCI, with a method of falls tracking and a clinical balance evaluation. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. A meta-analysis of prospective and cross-sectional studies was performed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Ten studies from the 2672 studies identified were included in the qualitative synthesis. Nine studies were included in the meta-analyses. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go Test demonstrate ability to differentiate between fallers and non-fallers, mean difference 5.25 (95% CI, 0.29 to 10.20) and 6.65 (95% CI, 0.17 to 13.12) respectively. The BBS presents moderate predictive ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.61 and sensitivity of 65%). Individuals with a BBS score ≥ 40 are likely at risk of falls. CONCLUSION: The BBS is the most appropriate and specific clinical balance measure with the ability to discriminate between ambulatory fallers and non-fallers. However, the fall predictive abilities of the measure need to be further explored and improved for this population.

Overground gait training promotes functional recovery and cortical neuroplasticity in an incomplete spinal cord injury model.

AIM: Evidence suggests that task-specific gait training improves locomotor impairments in people with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI); however, plastic changes in brain areas remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of a task-specific overground gait training on locomotor recovery and neuroplasticity markers in the cortex, cerebellum, and lumbar spinal cord in an experimental model of incomplete-SCI. MAIN METHODS: Using a blind, basic experimental design, 24 adult Wistar rats underwent a surgical procedure and were allocated into sham, non-trained SCI (SCI), and trained SCI (Tr-SCI) groups. On postoperative day 14, trained animals started a 4-week overground gait training program. All groups were subjected to weekly assessment of locomotor recovery of the hind limbs. On postoperative day 40, brain and lumbar spinal cord structures were dissected and processed for biochemical analysis of the synaptophysin, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). KEY FINDINGS: Tr-SCI group showed greater locomotor function recovery compared with non-trained SCI from the postoperative day 21 (p < 0.05). The training was able to improve the neuroplasticity markers synaptophysin, MAP-2, and BDNF expressions in motor cortex (p < 0.05), but not in the cerebellum and in the spinal cord for trained SCI group compared to non-trained. SIGNIFICANCE: Task-specific overground gait training improves locomotor recovery in a rat model of incomplete thoracic-SCI. Furthermore, training promotes motor cortex plasticity, evidenced for increasing expression of the neuroplasticity markers that may support the functional recovery.

Spinal cord injury by clip-compression induces anxiety and depression-like behaviours in female rats: The role of the inflammatory response.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) promotes long-term disability that affects mobility and functional independence. The spinal cord inflammatory response after the initial mechanical insult substantially impacts locomotor impairment and development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression. However, these psychiatric events are scarcely investigated in females. This study investigated the anxiety/depression-like behaviours and inflammatory responses related to the production/release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in female adult Wistar rats submitted to severe clip-compression SCI. Data showed that SCI impaired the locomotor performance assessment by the BBB scale, but did not alter exploratory activity in open-field test. Animals' locomotor impairment was associated with anxious and depressive-like behaviours characterised by a decreased amount of time in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze test, and the motivational reduction of social interaction and anhedonia assessed by social exploration and sucrose preference tests. By contrast, SCI decreased the immobility time in the forced swimming test. Moreover, SCI caused a significant increase in local and systemic proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and a reduction in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Finally, there were significant negative correlations between depression-like behaviour, but not anxiety, and increased plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and INF-γ. Additionally, the laminectomy procedure provoked the inflammatory response associated with reduced sucrose intake in Sham animals, although less expressively than in the SCI group. Collectively, these results indicate that SCI by clip-compression in female rats promotes a neuropsychiatric-like profile associated with an imbalance in the production/release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

mTOR Signaling Pathway and Protein Synthesis: From Training to Aging and Muscle Autophagy.

In muscle tissue there is a balance between the processes muscle synthesis and degradation. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating protein synthesis in order to maintain muscular protein turnover and trophism. Studies have shown that both down- and upregulation mechanisms are involved in this process in a manner dependent on stimulus and cellular conditions. Additionally, mTOR signaling has recently been implicated in several physiological conditions related to cell survival, such as self-digestion (autophagy), energy production, and the preservation of cellular metabolic balance over the lifespan. Here we briefly describe the mTOR structure and its regulatory protein synthesis pathway. Furthermore, the role of mTOR protein in autophagy, aging, and mitochondrial function in muscle tissue is presented.

Clinical Instruments for Measuring Unsupported Sitting Balance in Subjects with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review.

Background: Evidence of intervention effectiveness depends on, among other things, the use of a common set of valid and reliable measures that are responsive to change and reflect clinically important outcomes. Objective: To identify clinical assessment instruments with properties for measuring unsupported sitting balance in subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Bibliographic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL, and Central) were searched for articles with the key words "spinal cord injury," "unsupported sitting," and "outcome assessment" in combination with a specific methodological search filter for each database. Studies describing the application of any assessment instrument for measuring unsupported sitting balance in subjects with SCI, which had the evaluation of any measurement property, were included in the review. Publication details, measure's name, setting, summary statistics, measurement properties (reliability, validity, responsiveness), and statistical significance (p values) were extracted. Results: Eight hundred forty publications were identified; 8 articles were included in the systematic review. Twelve instruments were identified and analyzed, showing limited and incomplete measurement properties. Among them, 10 addressed activity, 1 addressed structures/body functions, and 1 addressed both activity and structures/body functions domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Conclusion: Based mainly on the measurement properties and the development of the instruments analyzed in this review, the Sitting Balance Measure, the Trunk Control Test, and the Set of Assessment Tools for Measuring Unsupported Sitting seem to be the most appropriate and recommended measures to assess unsupported sitting in subjects with SCI.

Locomotor Treadmill Training Promotes Soleus Trophism by Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway in Paraplegic Rats.

Assisted-treadmill training, may be helpful in promoting muscle mass preservation after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). However, biological mechanism involved in this process is still not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of locomotor treadmill training on muscle trophism mediated by protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) in paraplegic rats. Adult female Wistar rats underwent an incomplete thoracic SCI induced by compression using an aneurysm clip. After 7 days, injured animals started a 3-week locomotor treadmill training with body weight-support and manual step help. Soleus trophism was measured by muscle weight and transverse myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis were used to detect brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), Akt, mTOR and p70S6K in paretic soleus. Trained animals did not show locomotor improved, but present an increase in muscle weight and myofiber CSA. Furthermore, the levels of Akt, p70S6K phosphorylation, mTOR and TrkB receptor were increased by training in soleus. In contrast, muscle BDNF levels were significantly reduced after training. The results suggest locomotor treadmill training partially reverts/prevents soleus muscle hypotrophy in rats with SCI. Furthermore, this study provided the first evidence that morphological muscle changes were caused by Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway and TrkB up-regulation, which may increase the sensitivity of muscle, reducing autocrine signaling pathway demand of BDNF for cell growth.

Does Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Therapy Increase Voluntary Muscle Strength After Spinal Cord Injury? A Systematic Review.

Background: Physical therapists frequently use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy in an effort to increase the voluntary strength of partially paralyzed muscles in people with spinal cord injury (SCI), but it is not clear whether this treatment is effective. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of NMES for increasing voluntary strength in the partially paralyzed muscles of people with SCI. Methods: A systematic review of scientific literature was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, ScienceDirect, and Embase. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials and controlled trials that compared NMES aimed at increasing strength in partially paralyzed muscles versus placebo/nothing or versus a nonstrengthening intervention or versus any other type of strengthening intervention in adults with SCI. Results: Five studies were included. Two studies found an increase in strength measured by peak force and manual muscle force test after an NMES protocol. One study found a between-group difference in favor of the NMES associated with progressive resistance training, and the other study showed an increase in the number of muscles improved by at least 1 degree of strength after NMES in combination with a cycle ergometer. The other 3 studies made several comparisons and found no differences between groups that received NMES and the controls. Conclusions: There is some suggestion that NMES increases voluntary strength in partially paralyzed muscle following SCI. However, there is no strong evidence to affirm the superiority of NMES over other treatment strategies used to gain strength in partially paralyzed muscles after SCI. These findings need replicating in large high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Early Cyclical Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Improves Strength and Trophism by Akt Pathway Signaling in Partially Paralyzed Biceps Muscle After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

Background: Electrical stimulation is often used to treat weakness in people with spinal cord injury (SCI); however its efficacy for increasing strength and trophism is weak, and the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefits are unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle function, trophism, and the Akt pathway signaling involved in muscular plasticity after incomplete SCI in rats. Design: This was an experimental study. Methods: Twenty-one adult female Wistar rats were divided into sham, SCI, and SCI plus NMES groups. In injured animals, SCI hemisection was induced by a surgical procedure at the C5-C7 level. The 5-week NMES protocol consisted of biceps brachii muscle stimulation 5 times per week, initiated 48 h after injury. Forepaw function and strength, biceps muscle trophism, and the expression of phosphorylated Akt, p70S6K, and GSK-3ß cellular anabolic pathway markers in stimulated muscle tissue were assessed. Results: There was an increase in bicep muscle strength in the NMES group compared with the untreated SCI group, from postoperative day 21 until the end of the evaluation period. Also, there was an increase in muscle trophism in the NMES group compared with the SCI group. Forelimb function gradually recovered in both the SCI group and the NMES group, with no differences between them. Regarding muscle protein expression, the NMES group had higher values for phospho-Akt, phospho-p70S6K, and phospho-GSK-3ß than did the SCI group. Limitations: The experimental findings were limited to an animal model of incomplete SCI and may not be fully generalizable to humans. Conclusions: Early cyclical NMES therapy was shown to increase muscle strength and induce hypertrophy after incomplete SCI in a rat model, probably by increasing phospho-Akt, phospho-p70S6K, and phospho-GSK-3ß signaling protein synthesis.

The Effects of Two Different Exercise Programs on the Ultrastructural Features of the Sciatic Nerve and Soleus Muscle After Sciatic Crush.

Peripheral nerve injuries constitute a significant medical problem and the recovery is critically dependent on post-injury treatment. In this study, following sciatic nerve crush, we investigated the effects of a 4-week endurance training program (ET) and balance and coordination training program (BCT) on the ultrastructural features of the sciatic nerve and soleus muscle. The animals were randomly divided into Sham, non-trained (NT), ET, and BCT groups each of which included three animals. Ultra-thin cross and longitudinal sections (70-85 nm) were digitized and analyzed comparatively. The electron micrographic analysis of the sciatic nerve showed similar organelles features in the injury groups (myelin debris and swelling mitochondria). Nonetheless, the ET group presented better ultrastructural features as demonstrated by the greater predominance of rounded fibers and more defined organization in the myelinated axon bundles. In the soleus muscle's analyses, the injured groups demonstrated similar organelles' features (nucleus contained highly heterochromatic nuclei and smaller mitochondria). However, ET and BCT groups showed apparently enlarged myofibril cross-sectional areas and less collagen around muscle fibers, although, the ET group displayed reduced intermyofibrillar spaces and more closely aligned myofilaments when compared with the BCT group. Based on electron micrographic analysis, our findings suggest the presence of ultrastructural differences between the Sham, NT, and the trained groups. Therefore, exercise type seems to be responsible for producing some different positive features in the trained groups, while ET seems to have a more pronounced influence on the ultrastructural features of the sciatic nerve and the soleus muscle after a crush injury. Anat Rec, 300:1654-1661, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.