Browse the latest research summaries in the field of assistive technology for spinal cord injury patients and caregivers.
Showing 161-170 of 581 results
Sensors, 2021 • November 6, 2021
This study introduces a sensor-based gait analysis algorithm designed specifically for SCI patients, utilizing shank-mounted inertial sensors and personalized thresholds for step and gait event detect...
KEY FINDING: The sensor-based algorithm performs similarly well for both SCI patients and healthy controls.
Sensors, 2021 • October 22, 2021
The study compares manual wheelchair (MWC) and pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair (PAPAW) propulsion during common over-ground maneuvers. Findings indicate that PAPAWs reduce propulsion effor...
KEY FINDING: Using PAPAWs significantly reduces propulsion effort (RMS torque) and push frequency compared to manual wheelchairs.
Frontiers in Neurorobotics, 2021 • October 27, 2021
This study assessed the impact of HAL-assisted BWSTT on functional and motor recovery in acute and chronic SCI patients. The study found that both acute and chronic participants benefited from 12 week...
KEY FINDING: Both acute and chronic SCI patients showed significant improvements in walking ability after 12 weeks of HAL-assisted bodyweight supported treadmill training (BWSTT).
Brain Sci., 2021 • October 28, 2021
This study compared the effectiveness of unified alternate gait training (AGT) using knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) with traditional gait training in hemiplegic stroke patients. The results showed t...
KEY FINDING: The FIM gait score significantly increased in the AGT subjects compared to their initial score at 1, 2, and 3 months.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2022 • January 1, 2022
This qualitative study explored the experiences of patients with acute spinal cord injuries (SCI) using robotic exoskeletons as part of their inpatient rehabilitation. The study aimed to understand th...
KEY FINDING: Participants experienced psychological benefits such as improved mood, increased hope, and the joy of eye-level contact while using the exoskeleton.
Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2021 • October 7, 2021
This document is a correction to a previously published article. The correction pertains to Figure 6, which was displayed incorrectly in the original publication. The document provides the corrected f...
KEY FINDING: The original article contained an incorrect Figure 6.
Brain Sciences, 2021 • December 10, 2021
The systematic review summarizes the state-of-the-art robotic-assisted rehabilitation treatments available for patients suffering from cervical SCI. Robotic-assisted training is still experimental, bu...
KEY FINDING: Robotic-assisted training is safe, tolerable, and feasible in the rehabilitation of SCI patients, but this has been primarily investigated in patients with other neurological diseases.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2021 • December 1, 2021
This feasibility study evaluated the use of a free-standing robotic exoskeleton (REX) for physiotherapy in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study assessed the acceptability, recruitment rat...
KEY FINDING: The study demonstrated that a 12-week intervention program using a free-standing exoskeleton for weightbearing exercise in those with severe mobility impairment, as a result of SCI, is acceptable, safe and achievable.
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2021 • November 15, 2021
This study evaluated the effects of pelvic movements during gait training on stroke patients using a robotic gait training system (Healbot T). The results showed that providing pelvic movements during...
KEY FINDING: Stride length significantly increased in both groups after gait training with Healbot T.
Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2021 • December 17, 2021
This study explores eyes-free tongue control of a five-DOF upper-limb exoskeleton, comparing tongue gestures with dynamic virtual buttons and joystick-like control. The results showed that it was poss...
KEY FINDING: It was possible to control the exoskeleton with the tongue even without visual feedback, performing the drinking task at 65.1% of the speed of the gamepad.