Exoskeleton-assisted gait training to improve gait in individuals with spinal cord injury: a pilot randomized study

Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-018-0247-y · Published: May 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether using robotic exoskeletons can help people with incomplete spinal cord injuries walk better. Participants were split into two groups: one received exoskeleton-assisted gait training (EGT) and the other conventional physical therapy (CPT). The study looked at how well people could walk before and after the training, measuring things like walking speed and distance. The EGT group showed improvement in the 6-Minute Walk Test, while the CPT group improved in the Timed Up and Go test. The researchers concluded that EGT is a feasible treatment for people with incomplete SCI, helping them to recover their ability to walk. However, they noted that the size of the exoskeletons can be a problem for some people, and more research is needed.

Study Duration

3 weeks

Participants

9 participants with incomplete spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Level II: Randomized controlled pilot trial

Key Findings

1
The EGT group showed improvement in the 6MWT after training, indicating improved walking endurance.
2
Both the EGT and CPT groups showed a significant increase in right step length after training.
3
The EGT group also showed improvement in stride length, which is the distance covered in one complete step.

Research Summary

This pilot study investigated the feasibility and potential efficacy of exoskeleton-assisted gait training (EGT) compared to conventional physical therapy (CPT) in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). The study found that EGT could be applied to individuals with iSCI to facilitate gait recovery, with improvements observed in the 6MWT and stride length. CPT showed significant improvement in the TUG test. The authors concluded that larger studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness and efficacy of exoskeleton-assisted gait training as a single gait training method and combined with other gait training strategies.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

EGT can be considered as a viable option for gait rehabilitation in individuals with iSCI, potentially improving walking endurance and stride length.

Clinical Practice

Clinicians can use exoskeletons to provide overground walking training, which mimics natural gait patterns and actively engages patients, possibly facilitating neural plasticity.

Future Research

Future studies should focus on larger cohorts to investigate the cost-effectiveness and dose-response relationship of EGT, either as a standalone training or combined with other gait training methods.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits the statistical power and generalizability of the findings.
2
Exoskeleton size range may limit the number of patients who are eligible for EGT.
3
The modest sample size and the fact that the baseline scores of the two groups were different

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury