Time and Effort Required by Persons with Spinal Cord Injury to Learn to Use a Powered Exoskeleton for Assisted Walking

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2015 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2102-110 · Published: April 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores how people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) learn to use powered exoskeletons to walk. Participants were given up to 24 training sessions to learn to use the Ekso exoskeleton. The study measured the time and effort it took participants to stand, walk for 30 minutes, and sit down with minimal assistance. Researchers also looked at walking speed, heart rate, and how hard the participants felt they were working. The study found that people with SCI can learn to walk with exoskeletons, and that the exercise is light to moderately intense. People with different severities of injury may be able to use these devices.

Study Duration

Up to 24 weekly sessions

Participants

22 enrolled, 7 with complete data (all men; 2 tetraplegia, 5 motor-complete injuries)

Evidence Level

Longitudinal cohort design

Key Findings

1
Six participants managed to walk with minimal assistance in a median of 8 sessions.
2
Participants reported some secondary benefits to exoskeleton-assisted walking: improved bowel movements, sitting balance, sleep, and reduced pain and spasticity.
3
Time since injury and age may be more important factors in learning to use an exoskeleton than neurological level or completeness of injury.

Research Summary

This study quantified the time and effort required by persons with motor complete and incomplete paraplegia and tetraplegia to learn to use a powered exoskeleton. Participants demonstrated heart rate changes and reported ratings of perceived exertion consistent with light to moderate exercise. The study provides insights from which we can speculate about future research and the roles that powered exoskeletons could play in community life and rehabilitation for persons with SCI.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Tool

Exoskeletons can be used as a gait training modality in inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation settings.

Mobility Alternative

Powered exoskeletons may offer a mobility alternative to wheelchair use for persons with SCI.

Exercise Modality

Exoskeletons can serve as an exercise modality to promote physical, mental, and social wellness.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits generalizability to the broader SCI population.
2
Lack of female participants in the study.
3
Measurement properties of our clinician-rated scale for level of assistance have not been examined.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury