Publications by authors named "Megan M Tarbet"
Behavioral studies of spinal conditioning: The spinal cord is smarter than you think it is.
J Exp Psychol Anim Learn Cogn
October 2022
In 1988 Robert Rescorla published an article in the that addressed the circumstances under which learning occurs, some key methodological issues, and what constitutes an example of learning. The article has inspired a generation of neuroscientists, opening the door to a wider range of learning phenomena. After reviewing the historical context for his article, its key points are briefly reviewed.
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- Neurons in the spinal cord can adapt behavior based on environmental stimuli, as seen in rats that learned to protect a hind leg from electrical shocks even after spinal cord injury.
- Blocking spinal neuron activity or disconnecting the sciatic nerve stopped the rats from learning, indicating that spinal neurons are essential for learning, but not for maintaining learned behaviors.
- Training enhances muscle response at the neuromuscular junction by increasing the number of acetylcholine receptors and strengthening connections, with glutamate signaling playing a role in this plasticity.
The present review explores the concept of learning within the context of neurorehabilitation after spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of physical therapy and neurorehabilitation is to bring about a lasting change in function-to encourage learning. Traditionally, it was assumed that the adult spinal cord is hardwired-immutable and incapable of learning.
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