Effects on mobility training and de-adaptations in subjects with Spinal Cord Injury due to a Wearable Robot: a preliminary report

This study explores the use of a robotic exoskeleton (EKSO™) to improve mobility in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The device assists patients in standing and walking, potentially enhancing rehabilitation outcomes. Three participants with SCI underwent a 20-session training program using the EKSO™ system. Researchers assessed changes in gait parameters and functional mobility through gait analysis and clinical tests. The results showed that robot training was feasible and acceptable, with all participants completing the sessions. Improvements were observed in gait speed, cadence, and walking distance, suggesting the potential of robotic exoskeletons in SCI rehabilitation.

• 1
  Robot training is a feasible and acceptable rehabilitation method for people with SCI.
• 2
  Participants showed improvements in gait spatiotemporal indexes such as mean velocity, cadence, step length, and step width after robot training.
• 3
  The 6-minute walking test results improved significantly from T0 to T1, indicating enhanced walking capacity.