The effect of timing electrical stimulation to robotic-assisted stepping on neuromuscular activity and associated kinematics.

Results of previous studies raise the question of how timing neuromuscular functional electrical stimulation (FES) to limb movements during stepping might alter neuromuscular control differently than patterned stimulation alone. We have developed a prototype FES system for a rodent model of spinal cord injury (SCI) that times FES to robotic treadmill training (RTT). In this study, one group of rats (n = 6) was trained with our FES+RTT system and received stimulation of the ankle flexor (tibialis anterior [TA]) muscle timed according to robot-controlled hind-limb position (FES+RTT group); a second group (n = 5) received a similarly patterned stimulation, randomly timed with respect to the rats' hind-limb movements, while they were in their cages (randomly timed stimulation [RS] group).

Robotic loading during treadmill training enhances locomotor recovery in rats spinally transected as neonates.

Loading on the limbs has a powerful influence on locomotion. In the present study, we examined whether robotic-enhanced loading during treadmill training improved locomotor recovery in rats that were spinally transected as neonates. A robotic device applied a force on the ankle of the hindlimb while the rats performed bipedal stepping on a treadmill.

Relevance of hand dominance to the bilateral deficit phenomenon.

During maximal voluntary contractions, the sum of forces exerted by homonymous muscles when activated unilaterally (UL) is, typically, larger than the sum of forces when activated bilaterally (BL). This phenomenon is known as the bilateral deficit (BLD). Our purpose was to determine if the dominant limb would be inhibited to a greater degree in the BL condition, thereby reducing any disparity in force output between the limbs.

Adaptations in glutamate and glycine content within the lumbar spinal cord are associated with the generation of novel gait patterns in rats following neonatal spinal cord transection.

After spinal cord transection, the generation of stepping depends on neurotransmitter systems entirely contained within the local lumbar spinal cord. Glutamate and glycine likely play important roles, but surprisingly little is known about how the content of these two key neurotransmitters changes to achieve weight-bearing stepping after spinal cord injury. We studied the levels of glutamate and glycine in the lumbar spinal cord of spinally transected rats.

Differential effects of low versus high amounts of weight supported treadmill training in spinally transected rats.

Intensive weight-supported treadmill training (WSTT) improves locomotor function following spinal cord injury. Because of a number of factors, undergoing intensive sessions of training may not be feasible. Whether reduced amounts of training are sufficient to enhance spinal plasticity to a level that is necessary for improving function is not known.

Comparison style, physical self-perceptions, and fitness among older women.

This study examined the relationships between older women's comparison styles, physical self-perceptions, and functional fitness. Participants were community-dwelling women (N = 102, age 65-99) living in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Individuals were categorized as relying primarily on social comparisons, temporal comparisons, or a combination of both styles.

A meta-analysis of college students' physical activity behaviors.

The authors reviewed studies on college students' physical activity (PA) behaviors and found that previous research on this topic focused on describing college students' PA patterns and their determinants. Researchers reported that about 40% to 50% of college students are physically inactive. More important, health and PA professionals in higher education have not been able to effectively increase students' PA behaviors.

Almonds in the diet simultaneously improve plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations and reduce plasma lipids.

The objective of this study was to assess the dose-response effect of almond intake on plasma and red blood cell tocopherol concentrations in healthy adults enrolled in a randomized, crossover feeding trial. Participants were 16 healthy men and women, aged 41+/-13 years. After a 2-week run-in period, participants were fed three diets for 4 weeks each: a control diet, a low-almond diet, and a high-almond diet, in which almonds contributed 0%, 10%, and 20% of total energy, respectively.