Cortical AAV-CNTF Gene Therapy Combined with Intraspinal Mesenchymal Precursor Cell Transplantation Promotes Functional and Morphological Outcomes after Spinal Cord Injury in Adult Rats

Figure 5

Ratwalk gait analysis at day 56 after SCI. Averages of arbitrary unit values of each treatment group compared to preinjury levels (dotted black lines) are shown for stance width (a), step length (b), stride length (c), and step sequence (d). Despite no statistically significant differences between any treatment group for any variable, compensatory changes such as a marked reduction in the stance width (a) of the forelimbs (Rf/Lf) between opposing fore- and hindlimbs (Rf/Lh and Lf/Rh) in all groups compared to preinjury levels were supported by data for step length (b) and stride length (c). A general decrease in the amount of patterns of coordinated fore- and hindlimb placement (“cruciate,” “alternate,” and “rotary” as indicated in (d)) and an increase in the amount of noncoordinated fore- and hindlimb placement (“none”) was observed. Standard deviation is shown.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)