1213. Operant Conditioning Rehabilitation Studies

In this episode titled, "Operant Conditioning Rehabilitation
Studies," part of the "Ask the Expert: Research Edition" series,
Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Dr. Aiko Thompson. Dr.
Thompson explained the fundamental principles of operant
conditioning and its application in enhancing motor function and
sensory pathways in individuals with spinal cord damage due to
neuroimmune disorders [00:01:02]. They delved into specific
trials aimed at improving spasticity, foot drop, and neuropathic
pain, highlighting current studies and ongoing trials [00:02:28].
Dr. Thompson shared details on how eligible participants can take
part in these studies and the promising potential outcomes
[00:13:39].





Aiko Thompson, PhD is a neuroscientist and an associate professor
in the College of Health Professions, Medical University of South
Carolina, Charleston, SC. She did her PhD with Dr. Richard Stein
at the University of Alberta, Canada, and then did a postdoc
training with Dr. Jonathan Wolpaw at the Wadsworth Center in
Albany, NY. During her PhD, she was engaged in non-invasive human
neurophysiology / plasticity research related to the use of FES
(functional electrical stimulation) foot drop simulator. She also
started investigating normal and abnormal spinal reflex
modulation during walking and other dynamic movements in people
with and without chronic CNS disorders. Then, during her postdoc,
she developed the human H-reflex operant conditioning protocol.





In 2007, Dr. Thompson established her own lab. Since then, she
has been working on understanding CNS plasticity in human
sensorimotor control and how to guide the plasticity to help
restore useful function in people after CNS damage. Her current
research focuses on investigating functional roles of spinal
reflexes and evaluating the CNS plasticity associated with
operant conditioning of EMG evoked responses (e.g., spinal
reflexes and motor evoked potential to transcranial magnetic
stimulation) in people with SCI and other neuromuscular
disorders. Her ongoing research is funded by NIH, DoD, South
Carolina funds, and private endorsements.





00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest


01:02 Understanding Operant Conditioning


02:28 Background and Development of Operant Conditioning Trials


05:33 Current Research and Clinical Trials


09:43 Setup and Participation in Studies


11:50 Study Results and Future Directions


13:39 How to Get Involved


14:29 Acknowledgements and Sponsor Information