Hybrid assistive limb (HAL) treatment for patients with severe thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the postoperative acute/ subacute phase: A clinical trial

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2019 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1525975 · Published: July 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The hybrid assistive limb (HAL) is a wearable exoskeleton robot that helps people move their legs. It works by using sensors to detect the person's intended movements and then assisting those movements with motors. This study looked at whether HAL could be used safely and effectively to help people with severe spinal cord problems (myelopathy) in their upper back (thoracic spine) after they had surgery to fix the problem. The study found that HAL training was safe and that people were able to walk better after using it. This suggests that HAL could be a useful tool for rehabilitation after surgery for this condition.

Study Duration

12 Months

Participants

8 patients (four males and four females; mean age, 60.9 ± 10.2 years) with severe myelopathy

Evidence Level

Uncontrolled case series; pre- and post-intervention measurement

Key Findings

1
All participants completed the 10 training sessions, with no serious adverse effect noted.
2
Gait speed, step length and cadence improved over time.
3
Both the WISCI-II and ASIA motor (lower extremities) scores improved from baseline after 10 sessions.

Research Summary

HAL training in patients with T-OPLL, presenting with severe gait disturbances, was successfully performed during the acute and subacute postoperative periods without severe adverse events, supporting the feasibility and safety of HAL training for this clinical population. Compared to baseline, gait speed, step length and cadence improved over time, as well as an increase in the WISCI-II, ASIA motor score (lower extremities), and JOA scores measured after the 10-session training program. Our findings also support the efficacy of HAL training, initiated in the early postoperative period, in improving walking outcomes in patients with T-OPLL-associated severe locomotor disorder.

Practical Implications

Early Post-operative Rehabilitation

HAL training can be safely and effectively initiated in the early postoperative period for patients with T-OPLL-related severe gait disturbance, potentially leading to improved walking outcomes.

Improved Walking Outcomes

HAL training may lead to improvements in gait speed, step length, cadence, and overall walking ability in patients with T-OPLL, as measured by WISCI-II and ASIA motor scores.

Reduced Burden on Therapists

HAL reduces the physical burden on therapists by avoiding the need for hands-on control of lower limb motion, providing a more satisfactory rehabilitation for patients and therapists.

Hybrid assistive limb (HAL) treatment for patients with severe thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the postoperative acute/ subacute phase: A clinical trial

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Early Post-operative Rehabilitation

Improved Walking Outcomes

Reduced Burden on Therapists

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Hybrid assistive limb (HAL) treatment for patients with severe thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the postoperative acute/ subacute phase: A clinical trial

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Early Post-operative Rehabilitation

Improved Walking Outcomes

Reduced Burden on Therapists

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?