Figure 3. VNS paired with rehabilitative training enhances recovery after C7/8 SCI.
(A) VNS paired with rehabilitative training (VNS+Rehab) significantly improves recovery of volitional forelimb strength compared to equivalent rehabilitative training without VNS (Rehab) after bilateral SCI at C7/8. VNS-dependent benefits remain on week 14 after the cessation of stimulation, indicating lasting recovery. (B) Similarly, VNS+Rehab significantly increases hit rate on the isometric pull task compared to Rehab after SCI, measured as the percentage of trials on which peak forelimb pull force exceeds 120g. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001; unpaired t-tests comparing VNS+Rehab and Rehab at each time point. Filled markers indicate a significant reduction compared to pre-SCI performance at each week (paired t-test v. Week −1, p < 0.05). Error bars indicate mean ± SEM.
