Spinal Cord Research Help
AboutCategoriesLatest ResearchContact
Subscribe
Spinal Cord Research Help

Making Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Accessible to Everyone. Simplified summaries of the latest research, designed for patients, caregivers and anybody who's interested.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Categories
  • Latest Research
  • Disclaimer

Contact

  • Contact Us
© 2025 Spinal Cord Research Help

All rights reserved.

  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Spinal Cord Injury
  4. Exoskeleton‑based exercises for overground gait and balance rehabilitation in spinal cord injury: a systematic review of dose and dosage parameters

Exoskeleton‑based exercises for overground gait and balance rehabilitation in spinal cord injury: a systematic review of dose and dosage parameters

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-024-01365-2 · Published: May 8, 2024

Spinal Cord InjuryAssistive TechnologyNeurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Exoskeletons are increasingly being used in rehabilitation to help people with neurological impairments improve their gait and balance. However, there's no clear consensus on the best way to use them. This review looks at existing studies to figure out the most effective 'dose' (session length, total sessions) and 'dosage' (frequency, total time) of exoskeleton therapy for people with spinal cord injuries. The review suggests that a 60-minute session, three times a week, for nine weeks is a good general recommendation. Specific protocols for functional restoration and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation are also identified.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
288 adults with spinal cord injury/disease
Evidence Level
Systematic Review

Key Findings

  • 1
    A general protocol of 60-minute sessions, three times a week, for nine weeks (27 sessions total) is a good starting point.
  • 2
    For functional restoration (improving daily living activities), a protocol of 60-minute sessions, three times a week, for eight weeks (24 sessions total) is suggested.
  • 3
    For cardiorespiratory rehabilitation, a protocol of 60-minute sessions, three times a week, for twelve weeks (36 sessions total) is suggested.

Research Summary

This systematic review examined the dose and dosage parameters of exoskeleton-based exercises for overground gait and balance training in individuals with SCI/D. The review found considerable inconsistency in protocols, but identified common parameters: 60-minute sessions, three times a week, with variations in total sessions and intervention duration. Evidence-based clinical practice recommendations are provided, tailored to the therapeutic intent of the intervention (functional restoration or cardiorespiratory fitness).

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Provides evidence-based recommendations for exoskeleton training protocols based on therapeutic goals (functional restoration or cardiorespiratory rehabilitation).

Research Standardization

Highlights the need for standardized methods and common therapeutic outcomes in exoskeleton clinical translation studies.

Future Research

Calls for multicenter studies to validate the therapeutic effectiveness of specific dose and dosage parameters for optimal gait and balance rehabilitation.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Relatively scarce literature available.
  • 2
    Inconsistent reporting of exoskeleton training dose and dosage.
  • 3
    Heterogeneity of study designs among adults with SCI/D.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury