FIG. 1.

Compression impairs functional recovery from contusion spinal cord injury. Time course of locomotor recovery assessed by Basso Mouse Scale (A) and BMS subscore (B–E). (A) Over a 28-day period, groups with increased impact force score lower than groups with decreased impact force and groups with compression score lower than noncompression groups. Significance between comparable groups at each time point is detailed in Table 2 (n = 9–11; mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM]). (B–E) 28 dpi BMS subscores (n = 9–11). (B) Composite BMS subscore is significantly different between compression and noncompression groups. (C) Coordination is graded as 2 = mostly coordinated (>50%), 1 = some coordination (<50%), or 0 = no coordination. (D) Plantar stepping is graded as 1 = consistent or 0 = less than consistent. (E) Paw position is graded as 2 = parallel throughout, 1 = parallel and rotated, or 0 = rotated throughout. Groups with compression performed significantly worse than force-matched counterparts for every subscore. B–E: ****p < 0.0001, **0.01, *0.05. Mean ± SEM.