Changes in intra- and interlimb reflexes from forelimb cutaneous afferents after staggered thoracic lateral hemisections during locomotion in cats.

Contacting an obstacle during locomotion activates cutaneous afferents to maintain balance and coordinate all four limbs. Spinal cord injuries disrupt neural communications between spinal networks controlling the fore- and hindlimbs, impairing balance and limb coordination. Cutaneous reflex pathways can be used to develop therapeutic approaches for restoring ascending and descending transmission to facilitate locomotor recovery.