Neuronal plasticity after a human spinal cord injury: Positive and negative effects

► After an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) neuroplasticity can be exploited by a functional training. ► For a successful locomotor training of SCI subjects the provision of load and hip joint related afferent inputs is essential. ► Rehabilitation robots allow for a longer and standardized locomotor training. ► The activity of spinal reflexes can be used as marker for the neuronal function underlying locomotion. ► In severely affected SCI subjects immobility leads to a dysfunction of spinal neuronal circuits underlying locomotion.