Update on the Use of Loco Motor Training in the Neurorehabilitation of Small Animals

Oscar Albert^*
*Correspondence: Oscar Albert, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal, Email:

Keywords

Myelopathy • Interventions • Veterinary • Locomotor

Introduction

Locomotor training involves repetitive, task-specific movements that mimic natural locomotion. These exercises are tailored to the individual animal's abilities and deficits, aiming to promote motor learning and facilitate adaptive neural pathways. Tasks may include walking on a treadmill, over ground walking, stepping exercises and balance activities .To assist animals during locomotor training, veterinarians utilize body weight support systems. These systems suspend a portion of the animal's weight, allowing them to engage in supported walking or stepping exercises without bearing their full body weight. This approach helps to maintain proper posture, reduce strain on joints and prevent secondary complications .Various assistive devices and technologies enhance locomotor training effectiveness. Examples include harnesses, slings, robotic devices for gait assistance and underwater treadmills. These tools provide support, facilitate controlled movement and offer opportunities for progressive rehabilitation as the animal's condition improves [1].

Beyond physical rehabilitation the environment plays a crucial role in promoting recovery. Enrichment activities, positive reinforcement techniques and tailored rehabilitation plans help address behavioral aspects and encourage motivation and engagement during training sessions. Locomotor training in small animals draws inspiration from human medicine, where it has been extensively studied and applied in individuals with spinal cord injuries and other neurological impairments. The fundamental principle of locomotor training involves repetitive, task-specific movements that simulate natural locomotion. These activities are designed to engage neural circuits, promote sensorimotor integration and induce adaptive changes in the Central Nervous System (CNS) [2].

Literature Review

In veterinary practice, locomotor training protocols have been adapted to suit the anatomical and physiological characteristics of small animals. This includes dogs and cats, which exhibit different gait patterns and motor abilities compared to humans. Training sessions typically involve exercises such as treadmill walking, overground walking, stepping tasks and balance activities, tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each animal.

Despite its potential benefits, locomotor training in small animals presents several challenges and considerations. Each animal responds differently to rehabilitation protocols based on factors such as age, breed, severity of neurological impairment and overall health status. Personalized treatment plans and ongoing assessment are essential to adjust exercises and goals based on the animal's progress and limitations. Successful rehabilitation outcomes rely heavily on owner commitment to home exercises, followup veterinary visits and adherence to prescribed rehabilitation protocols. Educating owners about the importance of rehabilitation and providing support throughout the process are critical for achieving optimal outcomes. Advanced rehabilitation equipment, specialized veterinary expertise and prolonged rehabilitation periods can pose financial barriers and limit access to comprehensive neurorehabilitation services for some pet owners. Veterinary clinics and rehabilitation centers may need to explore alternative funding options or collaborative approaches to enhance accessibility. Initially developed and refined in human medicine, locomotor training involves repetitive, task-specific movements designed to stimulate sensory inputs and motor pathways. In veterinary practice, this approach has been adapted to suit the anatomical and physiological characteristics of small animals. The fundamental principle remains consistent: by engaging in structured exercises that mimic natural locomotion, animals undergo neuroplastic changes that support motor learning and functional recovery. Locomotor training programs are tailored to each animal's specific neurological deficits and functional goals. For example, dogs with hind limb weakness may undergo treadmill walking sessions with varying speeds and inclines, gradually increasing the duration and intensity to promote weight-bearing and improve gait mechanics. Cats recovering from stroke might engage in stepping exercises to enhance limb coordination and balance. Task specificity ensures that the neural circuits associated with locomotion are actively engaged and reinforced, facilitating adaptive changes in the Central Nervous System (CNS).Many locomotor training protocols incorporate body weight support systems, such as harnesses or slings, to assist animals during rehabilitation sessions. These systems partially lift the animal's weight, allowing them to engage in supported walking or stepping exercises without bearing their full body weight. This approach helps maintain proper posture, reduces strain on joints and muscles and facilitates controlled movement, thereby preventing secondary complications such as muscle atrophy or joint stiffness.

Advances in veterinary rehabilitation have introduced a range of assistive devices and technologies to enhance the effectiveness of locomotor training. Examples include underwater treadmills, which provide resistance and buoyancy to support rehabilitation efforts and robotic devices that offer precise gait assistance and feedback. These tools not only aid in physical rehabilitation but also promote engagement and motivation during training sessions, crucial for optimizing outcomes Beyond physical exercises, environmental enrichment and behavioral support play pivotal roles in promoting successful rehabilitation outcomes. Enrichment activities, such as interactive toys or sensory stimulation, encourage animals to actively participate in rehabilitative activities and enhance neuroplasticity. Positive reinforcement techniques, including treats or praise, reinforce desired behaviors and motivate animals to engage fully in their rehabilitation program [3-5].

Discussion

The field of locomotor training in small animal neurorehabilitation continues to evolve with ongoing research and technological advancements. Further research is needed to refine locomotor training protocols, including the optimal timing, duration and intensity of exercises tailored to different neurological conditions and stages of recovery. Advancements in virtual reality, neurostimulation techniques and wearable devices offer opportunities to enhance neurorehabilitation outcomes by providing real-time feedback, promoting neural plasticity and supporting remote monitoring of progress. Collaboration between veterinarians, physical therapists, neurologists and researchers is essential to develop integrated, evidence-based approaches to small animal neurorehabilitation. This interdisciplinary approach facilitates knowledge sharing, advances in treatment modalities and improved patient care outcomes.

This progressive neurological disease in dogs affects the spinal cord's white matter, leading to hind limb weakness and ataxia. Locomotor training aims to maintain muscle tone, prevent disuse atrophy and prolong functional independence as the disease progresses. Exercises may include supported walking on varying terrains to challenge balance and coordination while promoting adaptive motor responses. Cats and dogs recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries experience varying degrees of motor deficits and impaired coordination. Locomotor training incorporates balance exercises, stepping tasks and sensorimotor activities to stimulate neural pathways, improve motor control and facilitate recovery of motor skills essential for independent mobility and quality of life [6].

Conclusion

In conclusion, locomotor training represents a valuable therapeutic approach in the neurorehabilitation of small animals with neurological conditions. By leveraging task-specific exercises, assistive technologies and supportive environments, veterinarians can help improve mobility, function and quality of life for their patients. Continued advancements in research and clinical practice will further refine rehabilitation strategies, offering hope and transformative care options for animals and their caregivers. Locomotor training has demonstrated efficacy across various neurological conditions in small animal’s dogs with acute spinal cord injuries benefit significantly from early initiation of locomotor training. These programs help preserve muscle mass, improve circulation and potentially regain motor function. Rehabilitation protocols may include intensive treadmill training to promote neural recovery and adaptive gait patterns, contributing to enhanced mobility and quality of life Dogs diagnosed often undergo surgical intervention followed by tailored rehabilitation programs. Locomotor training focuses on strengthening core muscles, improving balance and supporting postoperative recovery to minimize recurrence and facilitate recovery of motor skills and mobility.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Côté, Marie-Pascale, Lynda M. Murray and Maria Knikou. "Spinal control of locomotion: Individual neurons, their circuits and functions."Front Physiol 9 (2018): 784.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Kakulas, Byron A and Cahyono Kaelan. "The neuropathological foundations for the restorative neurology of spinal cord injury."Clin Neurol Neurosurg 129 (2015): S1-S7.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Barbeau, Hugues and Serge Rossignol. "Recovery of locomotion after chronic spinalization in the adult cat Brain Res 412 (1987): 84-95.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Grillner, S. and P. Zangger. "On the central generation of locomotion in the low spinal cat."Brain Res 34 (1979): 241-261.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Grillner, Sten and Peter Wallen. "Central pattern generators for locomotion, with special reference to vertebrates."Ann Rev Neurosci (1985).

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

6. Robinson, G. A. and M. E. Goldberger. "The development and recovery of motor function in spinal cats: I. the infant lesion effect." Exp Brain Res 62(1986): 373-386.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at