Extended Abstract

Background and Purpose

Incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) causes sensory and motor deficits and impaired balance, negatively affecting quality of life. Balance training may enhance sensorimotor function, coordination, balance, and pain control by promoting neural plasticity and neuromuscular integration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8-week balance training on sensorimotor function, balance, and pain in Wistar rats with incomplete SCI.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design included 30 male Wistar rats. Following induction of incomplete SCI, rats were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group underwent balance training on a rotarod device three sessions per week for 8 weeks, with gradual increases in speed and duration. Motor function and balance were assessed using the BBB test, rotarod, and open field test, while sensory function and pain were evaluated using cold and hot stimuli tests. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results: Balance training significantly improved motor function and balance (p < 0.05) and reduced reaction time in the hot pain test (p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes were observed in sensory function (paw-licking and withdrawal tests) (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: An 8-week balance training protocol enhanced motor function, balance, and reduced pain but did not significantly affect sensory function. These findings support the value of balance training as a rehabilitative intervention in animal models of spinal cord injury.

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, Balance training, Rotarod, Sensorimotor function, Pain, Wistar rat