Influence of Reciprocating Link When Using an Isocentric Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (IRGO) on Walking in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2015 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2101-256 · Published: January 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how a special brace called an isocentric reciprocating gait orthosis (IRGO) helps people with spinal cord injuries walk. The IRGO has a reciprocal link, which connects the hips. The study compares walking with the IRGO to walking with the IRGO without the reciprocal link to see how much of a difference the link makes. The reciprocal link helps improve walking by making it easier to move the legs. Instead of using their trunk muscles to swing their legs, the link assists with this movement, which can reduce the effort needed to walk. The study found that when the reciprocal link was used, people walked faster, took longer steps and had better hip movement. They also didn't have to move their upper bodies as much to walk.

Study Duration

2 weeks

Participants

9 SCI patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The speed of walking was significantly better with IRGO compared to IRGO without reciprocating link (p = .029).
2
Step length was significantly longer when walking with IRGO compared to IRGO without reciprocating link (p = .048).
3
Hip joint range of motion (ROM) was significantly better with IRGO compared to IRGO without reciprocating link (p ≤ .001).

Research Summary

This study aimed to analyze the effect of a reciprocating link of an IRGO on walking parameters in SCI patients. The study found significant differences in speed of walking, step length, hip joint ROM, and lateral and vertical compensatory motions between the two orthotic conditions. The findings suggest that the reciprocating link of the IRGO has a positive effect on improving walking parameters in SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Improved Walking Efficiency

The reciprocating link in IRGO can improve walking speed and step length for individuals with SCI.

Reduced Compensatory Motions

The IRGO helps to reduce lateral and vertical compensatory motions, potentially decreasing energy expenditure during walking.

Enhanced Hip Joint ROM

The use of IRGO with a reciprocal link can improve hip joint range of motion during ambulation.

Study Limitations

1
The patients in this study had different levels of injuries; therefore, future studies should determine the influence of the injuries of the same level.
2
Small sample size was the main limitation of this study that can influence the generality of the results of the study.
3
In this study, only the kinematics and temporal-spatial parameters of walking were evaluated in the SCI patients.

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