Robotic rehabilitation therapy using Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) for patients with spinal cord lesions: a narrative review

North American Spine Society Journal (NASSJ), 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100209 · Published: March 11, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology

Simple Explanation

The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) is a device that helps people with spinal cord issues walk better. It uses the idea of 'interactive biofeedback,' where the device moves based on what the user intends and feels. HAL has shown promise in helping patients with spinal cord injuries improve their walking ability. Studies suggest HAL may work by improving brain activity, muscle coordination, and the ability to start movements.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Patients with spinal cord lesions

Evidence Level

Narrative Review

Key Findings

1
HAL rehabilitation can improve walking ability in patients with gait disturbance caused by compressive myelopathy.
2
HAL can lead to normalization of cortical excitability, improvement of muscle synergy, and attenuation of difficulties in voluntarily initiating joint movement.
3
HAL walking rehabilitation could attenuate difficulties of voluntarily initiating joint movement.

Research Summary

This review examines the use of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord lesions. HAL has shown effectiveness in improving walking ability in patients with gait disturbances caused by compressive myelopathy and spinal cord injury. Further research is needed to confirm HAL's efficacy, but it remains a promising rehabilitation device.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Device

HAL can be used as a rehabilitation device to improve walking function in patients with spinal cord lesions.

Improved Gait

HAL therapy has the potential to improve gait parameters, muscle synergy, and coordination in patients with spinal cord lesions.

Further Research

More sophisticated studies are needed to fully prove the efficacy of HAL walking rehabilitation.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of high-level evidence for HAL walking rehabilitation in patients with spinal cord lesions.
2
The optimal population who can benefit most from HAL rehabilitation remains unknown.
3
The optimal therapeutic time window for HAL walking rehabilitation is not yet determined.

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