Logo image
Back
A pelvic implant orthosis in rodents, for spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and for brain machine interface research: construction, surgical implantation and validation
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

A pelvic implant orthosis in rodents, for spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and for brain machine interface research: construction, surgical implantation and validation

Ubong Ime Udoekwere, Chintan S Oza and Simon F Giszter
Journal of neuroscience methods, v 222, pp 199-206
30 Jan 2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2013.10.022
PMID: 24269175
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://europepmc.org/articles/pmc4065419View
Accepted (AM)Open Access (License Unspecified),  Open

Abstract

Analysis of Variance Animals Biomechanical Phenomena Brain-Computer Interfaces Female Hindlimb - physiopathology Hip Joint - physiopathology Implants, Experimental - adverse effects Joints - physiopathology Locomotion - physiology Orthopedic Procedures Orthotic Devices - adverse effects Pelvis - pathology Pelvis - surgery Rats Rats, Sprague-Dawley Robotics Spinal Cord Injuries - physiopathology Spinal Cord Injuries - rehabilitation
Rodents are important model systems used to explore spinal cord injury (SCI) and rehabilitation, and brain machine interfaces (BMI). We present a new method to provide mechanical interaction for BMI and rehabilitation in rat models of SCI. We present the design and implantation procedures for a pelvic orthosis that allows direct force application to the skeleton in brain machine interface and robot rehabilitation applications in rodents. We detail the materials, construction, machining, surgery and validation of the device. We describe the statistical validation of the implant procedures by comparing stepping parameters of 8 rats prior to and after implantation and surgical recovery. An ANOVA showed no effects of the implantation on stepping. Paired tests in the individual rats also showed no effect in 7/8 rats and minor effects in the last rat, within the group's variance. Our method allows interaction with rats at the pelvis without any perturbation of normal stepping in the intact rat. The method bypasses slings, and cuffs, avoiding cuff or slings squeezing the abdomen, or other altered sensory feedback. Our implant osseointegrates, and thus allows an efficient high bandwidth mechanical coupling to a robot. The implants support quadrupedal training and are readily integrated into either treadmill or overground contexts. Our novel device and procedures support a range of novel experimental designs and motor tests for rehabilitative and augmentation devices in intact and SCI model rats, with the advantage of allowing direct force application at the pelvic bones.

Metrics

16 Record Views
6 citations in Web of Science
6 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Biochemical Research Methods
Neurosciences
Logo image