Motivation and Motor Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury
Author Information
Author(s): Nishimura Yukio, Onoe Hirotaka, Onoe Kayo, Morichika Yosuke, Tsukada Hideo, Isa Tadashi
Primary Institution: National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
Hypothesis
The study investigates the neuronal substrate underlying the psychological effects of motivation on functional recovery after spinal cord injury.
Conclusion
The study found that the activity of the ventral striatum increased and its connectivity with the primary motor cortex strengthened during recovery from spinal cord injury.
Supporting Evidence
- The activity of the ventral striatum increased during recovery.
- Functional connectivity between the ventral striatum and primary motor cortex strengthened during recovery.
- The study used PET scans to measure brain activity in monkeys.
Takeaway
Monkeys that had spinal cord injuries got better at using their hands when they were motivated, and certain brain areas worked together more as they recovered.
Methodology
The study used a non-human primate model of spinal cord injury and conducted PET scans to measure brain activity during recovery.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size of three monkeys, which may not fully represent the broader population.
Participant Demographics
Three monkeys: two Macaca mulatta (one male, one female) and one Macaca fuscata (female).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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