Examining the Effects of a Powered Exoskeleton on Quality of Life and Secondary Impairments in People Living With Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2018 · DOI: 10.1310/sci17-00055 · Published: August 7, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The study explores how using a powered exoskeleton affects health issues and overall life satisfaction for people with spinal cord injuries. Participants with spinal cord injuries used a powered exoskeleton for several weeks. Researchers tracked changes in spasticity, pain, and bladder/bowel function, along with overall satisfaction with life. The results showed that using the exoskeleton may reduce spasticity. While overall life satisfaction didn't significantly improve, the researchers suggest community use of exoskeletons could improve quality of life.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

45 participants with SCI ranging from T3-L2

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional analysis

Key Findings

1
Participants experienced a significant reduction in spasticity after using the powered exoskeleton.
2
No negative changes in bowel and bladder function were reported, with some participants reporting positive changes.
3
The study found a statistically significant decrease in the amount of time spent donning the device.

Research Summary

This study investigated the impact of using a powered exoskeleton on secondary health impairments and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury. The results indicated a statistically significant decrease in spasticity among participants, along with improvements in donning time and some positive changes in bowel and bladder function. While the use of the exoskeleton in a clinical setting did not significantly improve overall quality of life, researchers suggest that community integration through exoskeleton use could potentially enhance quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Spasticity Management

Powered exoskeletons may be a useful tool for managing spasticity in individuals with SCI.

Community Integration

Enabling community ambulation with exoskeletons has the potential to improve the QoL for individuals with SCI.

Device Compliance

Reduced donning time and perceived exertion may lead to greater patient compliance with exoskeleton use.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in a clinical setting, limiting the assessment of community integration.
2
The Satisfaction with Life Scale may not be sensitive enough to capture changes in quality of life related to specific impairments like spasticity.
3
The duration of the study may not have been long enough to observe significant changes in overall quality of life.

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