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Pharmacology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI

DOI: 10.3791/2148-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Perform clinical reflex and strength assessments in SCI patients
  • ✓ Conduct quantitative motor function measurements using stretch reflex and ambulation tests
  • ✓ Interpret pharmacological effects of SSRIs on motor recovery in incomplete SCI
Protocol

This video demonstrates modulation of reflex activity, volitional strength and ambulation through clinical and quantitative assessments in individuals with motor incomplete SCI as a result of acute oral administration of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Difficulty
advanced
Total time
~90 min per patient session (clinical + quantitative assessments)

Steps

1
Introduce SCI motor assessment framework and SSRI effects

Review the rationale for measuring reflex modulation, volitional strength, and ambulation in motor incomplete SCI patients following acute SSRI administration.

▶ 01:15
2
Perform clinical reflex and strength assessments

Execute bedside clinical evaluations including manual muscle testing, reflex grading, and basic motor function testing to establish baseline motor status.

▶ 02:15
3
Measure velocity-dependent stretch reflex quantitatively

Use instrumented assessment tools to quantify reflex responses at varying stretch velocities, capturing mechanical and neurophysiological parameters of spasticity and reflex activity.

▶ 04:00
4
Quantify dynamic motor function and ambulation capacity

Assess volitional strength and walking parameters using dynamometry and gait analysis to measure functional motor output post-SSRI administration.

▶ 07:17
5
Interpret acute SSRI-induced motor changes in SCI

Analyze how acute oral SSRI administration modulates reflex excitability, voluntary strength, and ambulation in individuals with motor incomplete spinal cord injury.

▶ 10:41
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