Initial Outcomes from a Multicenter Study Utilizing the Indego Powered Exoskeleton in Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2015 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2101-78 · Published: January 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of the Indego exoskeleton for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The exoskeleton is designed to help those unable to walk regain upright mobility. The study involved 32 participants with SCI who underwent an 8-week training program using the Indego exoskeleton. Researchers monitored safety, donning/doffing independence, and walking abilities. The results showed that the Indego exoskeleton is safe for providing upright mobility to individuals with SCI. Participants improved their walking speed and independence in donning/doffing the device after training.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

32 nonambulatory individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Level III; Prospective observational cohort study

Key Findings

1
The Indego exoskeleton was found to be safe for individuals with spinal cord injuries, with limited device-related adverse events.
2
Participants showed improvements in both indoor and outdoor walking speeds after 8 weeks of training with the Indego exoskeleton.
3
Most participants could independently don and doff the Indego exoskeleton after the training period, indicating increased independence.

Research Summary

This multicenter study evaluated the safety and feasibility of the Indego powered exoskeleton for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Thirty-two nonambulatory participants completed an 8-week training program. The study found that the Indego exoskeleton is safe and effective for providing upright mobility. Participants experienced improvements in walking speed and independence in donning/doffing the device. The results suggest that exoskeletal devices hold promise for improving mobility in individuals with SCI, but further research is needed to optimize their use and integration into rehabilitation programs.

Practical Implications

Improved Mobility

The Indego exoskeleton can provide a means for nonambulatory individuals with SCI to achieve upright mobility and potentially improve their quality of life.

Increased Independence

Training with the Indego exoskeleton can lead to increased independence in donning/doffing the device, reducing the need for assistance.

Rehabilitation Potential

Exoskeletal devices like the Indego can be integrated into rehabilitation programs to enhance walking speed and endurance in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study lacked a comparison group, making it difficult to determine whether the improvements were specifically due to the Indego exoskeleton.
2
The primary focus of the training was on safety, which may have limited the extent of improvements in walking speed and independence.
3
The therapists' limited experience with the Indego exoskeleton prior to the study may have affected the participants' progress.

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