Neurology Department, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Nat Med. 2012 Jul;18(7):1142-7. doi: 10.1038/nm.2845.
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders distinctly impair locomotor pattern generation and balance, but technical limitations prevent independent assessment and rehabilitation of these subfunctions. Here we introduce a versatile robotic interface to evaluate, enable and train pattern generation and balance independently during natural walking behaviors in rats. In evaluation mode, the robotic interface affords detailed assessments of pattern generation and dynamic equilibrium after spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke. In enabling mode,the robot acts as a propulsive or postural neuroprosthesis that instantly promotes unexpected locomotor capacities including overground walking after complete SCI, stair climbing following partial SCI and precise paw placement shortly after stroke. In training mode, robot-enabled rehabilitation, epidural electrical stimulation and monoamine agonists reestablish weight-supported locomotion, coordinated steering and balance in rats with a paralyzing SCI. This new robotic technology and associated concepts have broad implications for both assessing and restoring motor functions after CNS disorders, both in animals and in humans.
中枢神经系统 (CNS) 疾病明显损害运动模式生成和平衡，但技术限制妨碍了这些子功能的独立评估和康复。在这里，我们引入了一种通用的机器人接口，可在大鼠自然行走行为期间独立评估、实现和训练模式生成和平衡。在评估模式下，机器人接口提供了脊髓损伤 (SCI) 和中风后模式生成和动态平衡的详细评估。在启用模式下，机器人充当推进或姿势神经假肢，可立即促进意外的运动能力，包括完全 SCI 后的地面行走、部分 SCI 后的楼梯攀爬以及中风后不久的精确爪子放置。在训练模式下，机器人启用的康复、硬膜外电刺激和单胺激动剂可使瘫痪 SCI 大鼠重新获得承重行走、协调转向和平衡。这种新的机器人技术和相关概念对于评估和恢复 CNS 疾病后动物和人类的运动功能具有广泛的意义。
