Patient-cooperative control increases active participation of individuals with SCI during robot-aided gait training

The study investigates how different robot-assisted gait training methods affect the participation of individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). It compares traditional, non-cooperative methods with patient-cooperative approaches that allow more freedom of movement. The researchers compared four training modes: position control, impedance control, and two variations of path control. The path control methods allowed patients free timing of movements and differed in the amount of additional support provided by the robot. The results showed that patient-cooperative path control, where individuals with iSCI had free timing of movements, led to more active participation and larger kinematic variability compared to non-cooperative position control.

• 1
  Patients showed more spatial and temporal kinematic variability in the patient-cooperative path control mode with individually adjusted support.
• 2
  Interaction torques between the robot and patient were reduced in the patient-cooperative path control mode.
• 3
  The patient-cooperative path control mode led to a higher increase in heart rate and more muscle activity compared to the non-cooperative position control mode.