Strength training versus robot-assisted gait training after incomplete spinal cord injury: a randomized pilot study in patients depending on walking assistance

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2014 · DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-11-4 · Published: January 9, 2014

Simple Explanation

This study compares strength training to robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) for people with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) who need help walking. Participants did both types of training, one after the other, to see which one improved their walking ability more. The study found that strength training may be better than RAGT for improving maximum walking speed.

Study Duration

4 weeks for each intervention

Participants

9 participants with chronic iSCI

Evidence Level

Level 1, Randomized cross-over pilot study

Key Findings

1
Maximal walking speed improved significantly more after strength training than after RAGT.
2
There were no significant differences in changes in scores between the two interventions for other walking-related outcome measures.
3
Pain reduced after both interventions.

Research Summary

This study compared robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) and strength training in patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) who depended on walking assistance. The results showed no significant differences in changes in scores between the 2 interventions, except for maximal walking speed (10MWT), which improved significantly more after strength training than after RAGT. The study concluded that RAGT was not more effective than lower extremity strength training in improving walking-related outcomes in this population, but the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Strength training may be a viable alternative or complement to RAGT for improving walking ability in individuals with chronic iSCI.

Personalized Treatment

Treatment plans should be tailored to individual needs and capabilities, considering the potential benefits of both strength training and RAGT.

Further Research

Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from each type of training.

Study Limitations

1
Low sample size limits generalizability and precision of data interpretation.
2
High number of exploratory outcome measures, prone to type I and type II errors.
3
Possible carry-over effects due to the cross-over design without a wash-out period.

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