Approach to Small Animal Neurorehabilitation by Locomotor Training: An Update

Abstract

Neurorehabilitation has a wide range of therapies to achieve neural regeneration, reorganization, and repair (e.g., axon regeneration, remyelination, and restoration of spinal circuits and networks) to achieve ambulation for dogs and cats, especially for grade 1 (modified Frankel scale) with signs of spinal shock or grade 0 (deep pain negative), similar to humans classified with ASIA A lesions. This review aims to explain what locomotor training is, its importance, its feasibility within a clinical setting, and some possible protocols for motor recovery, achieving ambulation with coordinated and modulated movements. In addition, it cites some of the primary key points that must be present in the daily lives of veterinarians or rehabilitation nurses. These can be the guidelines to improve this exciting exercise necessary to achieve ambulation with quality of life. However, more research is essential in the future years.

Intensive neurorehabilitation and allogeneic stem cells transplantation in canine degenerative myelopathy

“…The locomotor training helps in relearning stepping with a coordinated and modulated ambulation pattern ( 57 , 67 ) based on a dynamic interaction between afferent inputs for all functional receptors (e.g., proprioceptive and biomechanical) ( 85 , 86 ). This can be applied through bodyweight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT), which helps reduce spasticity by replacing abnormal hyperexcitable sensory firing with functional signaling, decreasing muscle spasm/contraction ( 87 , 88 ), and improving coordination and ambulation ( 89 ), essential for affected DM dogs with UMN signs, for example, clonic reflexes.…”

“…The locomotor training implemented was based on fast step-cycle repetitions, always applied in a quiet environment, and ideally with musical stimulation ( 66 , 67 ). Due to the presentation of clonic reflexes, bicycle movements were only necessary to modulate the rhythm of the step cycle, rarely requiring tail and perineal stimulation.…”

“…Land treadmill training was initiated with 0.9 km/h aiming to achieve 2.8 km/h for 10 min until a maximum of 60 min, initially with 5 repetitions a day in the first week, until 2 repetitions in the last week ( Figure 1A ). Underwater treadmill training was initiated at admission or the following day, always with water temperature nearly 26°C, beginning with 5 min until reaching 1 h, 5 days/week, and speeds of 1 km/h until 3.5 km/h ( Figure 1B ), with care for signs of overtraining ( 67 ) ( Table 2 ).…”

Early Intensive Neurorehabilitation in Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injury—State of the Art

“…Spontaneous peripheral nerve recovery is commonly inadequate and depends on the type of injury and damage extension [ 2 ]. A few studies in animals where moderate exercises and rehabilitation methods of motor and sensory functions were used reveal that such an approach could improve coordination and sensory–motor tasks [ 42 ], and the locomotor training could be an example of that in dogs, cats and humans [ 222 ] ( Figure 4 ).…”

Early Intensive Neurorehabilitation in Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injury – State of the Art

“…Spontaneous peripheral nerve recovery is commonly inadequate and depends on the type of injury and damage extension [2]. A few studies in animals where moderate exercises and rehabilitation methods of motor and sensory functions were used reveal that such an approach could improve coordination and sensory-motor tasks [42], and the locomotor training could be an example of that in dogs, cats and humans [222] (Figure 4).…”