Advanced design and fabrication of a medial linkage reciprocal orthosis for patients with spinal cord injury

Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 2025 · DOI: 10.1177/20556683251329789 · Published: March 10, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This study introduces an Advanced Medial Linkage Reciprocal Gait Orthosis (MLRGO) designed to improve walking ability for people with spinal cord injuries. The new device aims to overcome the limitations of traditional orthoses by enhancing mobility and stability. The Advanced MLRGO was compared against existing orthoses (Prime-Walk and standard MLRGO) in a clinical trial. The study measured walking speed, distance traveled, and the time it took participants to put on and take off the devices. The results showed that the Advanced MLRGO improved walking speed and distance compared to the other orthoses, and it also reduced the time needed to put the device on. This suggests the Advanced MLRGO could significantly enhance mobility and independence for individuals with thoracic spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Five participants aged 25–45 years with diagnosed thoracic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The Advanced MLRGO significantly improved walking speed compared to the standard MLRGO (p = 0.033), indicating a 50.7% increase.
2
Participants using the Advanced MLRGO covered a significantly greater distance compared to the standard MLRGO (p = 0.026), resulting in a 35.28% increase.
3
The Advanced MLRGO demonstrated a significant reduction in donning time compared to the standard MLRGO (p = 0.048), reflecting a 28.9% improvement.

Research Summary

The study evaluated the Advanced MLRGO's performance against Prime-Walk and standard MLRGO models, focusing on walking speed, travel distance, and donning/doffing times in individuals with thoracic SCI. Results indicated that the MLRGO system significantly improved walking speed (p = 0.03) and distance traveled (p = 0.04) compared to the Prime-Walk. The Advanced MLRGO further enhanced mobility over the standard MLRGO, with increased walking speed (p = 0.033) and distance (p = 0.026). The Advanced MLRGO also showed a notable reduction in donning time (p = 0.048) compared to the standard MLRGO, suggesting improved usability. However, doffing times with the Advanced MLRGO method shows a 30% increase, which is a negative characteristic because it is not statistically signiﬁcant compared to the MLRGO.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Mobility

The Advanced MLRGO provides a significant improvement in walking speed and distance for individuals with thoracic SCI, potentially increasing their functional independence and quality of life.

Improved Usability

The reduced donning time of the Advanced MLRGO makes it more user-friendly and convenient, encouraging consistent use and adherence to rehabilitation programs.

Design Optimization

The study highlights the importance of biomechanical and orthopedic principles in orthosis design, emphasizing the need for precise joint alignment and energy transfer to maximize mobility and stability.