Application of a paraplegic gait orthosis in thoracolumbar spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2016 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.197144 · Published: December 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Paraplegic gait orthosis can assist paraplegic patients in standing and walking, but it often lacks individualization for varying spinal cord injuries. This study aimed to develop individualized paraplegic orthoses. The study involved 36 patients with spinal cord injuries below T4, divided into a control group receiving standard rehabilitation and an observation group receiving individualized paraplegic locomotion braces with functional training. After 3 months, the observation group showed significant improvement in locomotion compared to the control group, suggesting that individualized paraplegic braces can enhance daily living activities and locomotion for patients with thoracolumbar spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

36 spinal cord (below T4) injury patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Patients in the observation group achieved therapeutic locomotion (8 cases), family-based locomotion (7 cases), and community-based locomotion (3 cases) after 3 months of rehabilitation training with individualized paraplegic braces.
2
No patient in the control group achieved locomotion, highlighting the significant impact of individualized paraplegic braces on improving walking ability.
3
The observation group exhibited much greater improvement in ADL, with a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Research Summary

This study investigates the application of individualized paraplegic gait orthoses in patients with thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries, comparing outcomes with a control group receiving standard rehabilitation. The results indicate that individualized paraplegic braces, combined with functional training, significantly improve activity of daily living (ADL) and locomotion compared to standard rehabilitation alone. The study highlights the importance of considering the spinal cord injury level and individual needs when prescribing paraplegic orthoses to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.

Practical Implications

Personalized Rehabilitation

Individualized paraplegic braces should be designed and prescribed based on the patient's specific spinal cord injury level and functional recovery status to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.

Enhanced Locomotion

Integrating individualized paraplegic locomotion braces into rehabilitation programs can significantly improve walking ability, promoting independence and participation in daily activities.

Improved Quality of Life

The use of paraplegic gait orthoses can help patients transition from bed confinement to standing or walking, improving self-reliance, self-confidence and enabling early full recovery and return to family and society.

Study Limitations

1
The study lacks detailed information on the specific criteria used for defining therapeutic, family-based, and community-based locomotion.
2
The sample size of 36 patients may limit the generalizability of the findings to a broader population of SCI patients.
3
Long-term effects of individualized paraplegic orthosis were not assessed.

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