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2004 Directors' Summary Synopsis
UNDERSTANDING NERVE CIRCUITRY FOR WALKING
Researchers in the field of neurophysiology are working to identify the complex circuitry, the specific neurotransmitters, and the key nerve pathways that produce alternating and coordinated movements of locomotion (walking). Rehabilitation researchers, like Dr. Edelle Field-Fote, are interested in developing therapies that reawaken or enhance existing circuits. Dr. Field-Fote’s research has been aimed at evaluating the therapeutic use of body weight support gait training in humans and understanding the influence the therapy may have on the spinal cord’s complex circuitry. As a complement to this field of research, Dr. Field-Fote has also made contributions to the way therapists and researchers evaluate and measure recovery of walking function.
A goal of basic scientist Dr. Brian Noga is to identify the important pathways that descend from the brain as well as the specific neurotransmitters that are required to activate the spinal circuitry for walking. In a recent study, he examined how neurons that are responsible for locomotion responded to the release of specific neurotransmitters, the monoamines. His findings reveal that monoamines have a widespread influence on spinal neurons, are released in concentrations sufficient to affect neurons that are distant from the release site, and are especially powerful in areas containing locomotor neurons. He has also noted that the release of monoamines in specific regions of the spinal cord is influenced by a balance of feedback coming from the sensory system and the control centers in the brain. Learning how spinal circuitry actually functions is helping to provide key information for the design of future therapies. Dr. Noga believes the results of these studies indicate that transmitter replacement therapy is a potential strategy to improve the walking capabilities of persons with SCI. |
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