Physiotherapy using a free‑standing robotic exoskeleton for patients with spinal cord injury: a feasibility study

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-021-00967-4 · Published: December 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to see if using a special robot called a free-standing exoskeleton is possible and helpful for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). This exoskeleton lets people stand upright without needing crutches or other support. The study looked at whether people with SCI could use the exoskeleton safely and if it could improve their health. They measured things like how well people could move, their fatigue levels, their quality of life, and their mood after using the exoskeleton. The results showed that using the exoskeleton is safe and that some people with SCI might benefit from it. One person showed improvements in function, fatigue, quality of life, and mood, while others showed improvements in strength and body mass. The participants generally liked using the exoskeleton.

Study Duration

12-week intervention study with 12-week waitlist control and 12-week follow up

Participants

Two females (one ASIA A, one ASIA C) and one male (ASIA B)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study demonstrated that a 12-week intervention program using a free-standing exoskeleton for weightbearing exercise in those with severe mobility impairment, as a result of SCI, is acceptable, safe and achievable.
2
One participant with sensory incomplete tetraplegia experienced functional gains, no longer requiring a hoist for transfers by the end of the study.
3
Two participants showed improvements in their lean body mass during the intervention phase of the study.

Research Summary

This feasibility study evaluated the use of a free-standing robotic exoskeleton (REX) for physiotherapy in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study assessed the acceptability, recruitment rates, and potential health-related benefits of the intervention. The results showed that the intervention was safe and acceptable to participants. While recruitment rates were low, some participants showed positive trends in function, fatigue, quality of life, mood, strength, and lean body mass. The authors conclude that free-standing exoskeletons show promise for rehabilitation in select SCI patients, especially those with incomplete tetraplegia, but further research with larger samples is needed.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Potential

Free-standing exoskeletons can be considered as a safe and acceptable rehabilitation tool for individuals with severe mobility impairment due to SCI.

Targeted Therapy

Individuals with incomplete high-level tetraplegia may benefit most from this type of therapy, showing improvements across several health domains.

Future Research

Larger-scale trials with more heterogenous samples are needed to determine the specific benefits and patient characteristics that lead to favorable outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Low recruitment rate due to strict eligibility criteria.
2
Small sample size, limiting statistical analysis and generalization of results.
3
Lack of detailed record of activities outside the study, potentially confounding the results.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury