Robotic Locomotor Training and Muscle Atrophy in the Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury

0755702 Nessler机器人运动训练与脊髓损伤大鼠模型肌肉萎缩本研究旨在探讨机器人步态训练算法对脊髓损伤（spinal cord injury，SCI）大鼠模型下肢肌肉质量和力量的保护作用，以及骨骼肌萎缩/肥大的分子机制。开发一种新版本的大鼠步进器，包括力传感器来测量设备和动物之间的相互作用力。检查使用机器人训练算法增加脊髓损伤大鼠站立时跖屈扭矩的效果。检查8周机器人步态训练对脊髓损伤后后肢肌肉质量、横截面积和萎缩/肥大分子信号级联的影响。运动训练将使用专门设计的机器人步态装置进行，该装置以PI先前开发的模型（即“大鼠踏步机”）为模式。 对该设备进行选择性修改将使测量动物和机器人之间的相互作用力以及步进过程中产生的肌肉力成为可能。当动物在机器人装置中行走时，将使用逆动力学技术在体内测量肌肉力量。肌肉功能的体外测量将包括肌肉质量、横截面积和与骨骼肌萎缩/肥大相关的分子信号级联。签名马歇尔M. Lih高级顾问，CBET临时项目官员，RAPD

0755702Nessler Robotic Locomotor Training and Muscle Atrophy in the Rat Model of Spinal Cord InjuryThis study will investigate the effects of a robotic gait training algorithm on the preservation of lower extremity muscle mass and strength, and the molecular mechanisms involved in skeletal muscle atrophy/hypertrophy in the rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI).The research objectives for this project are:1. Develop a novel version of the rat stepper that includes force sensors to measure interaction forces between the device and the animal.2. Examine the effects of using a robotic training algorithm to increase plantarflexion torque during stance in spinal cord injured rats.3. Examine the effects of eight weeks of robotic gait training on hindlimb muscle mass, crosssectional area, and the atrophy/hypertrophy molecular signaling cascades following SCI.Locomotor training will be performed using a specially designed, robotic gait device, patterned after a previous model developed by the PI (i.e. the 'rat stepper'). Select modifications to this device will make possible the measurement of interaction forces between the animal and the robot, as well as muscle forces generated during stepping. Muscle strength will be measured in vivo as the animal steps in the robotic device using inverse dynamic techniques. In vitro measures of muscle function will include muscle mass, cross-sectional area, and molecular signaling cascades related to skeletal muscle atrophy/hypertrophy. SIGNATURE Marshall M. LihSenior Advisor, CBETInterim Program Officer, RAPD