Cardiopulmonary function after robotic exoskeleton-assisted over-ground walking training of a patient with an incomplete spinal cord injury

This case report explores the impact of powered exoskeleton training on a patient with an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The study focused on improvements in gait patterns and cardiopulmonary function after a 6-week training program using the Angelegs exoskeleton. The patient, a 57-year-old male with SCI at C3-C4, underwent training involving sit-to-stand movements, balance maintenance, and walking exercises. The study tracked changes in gait speed and cardiopulmonary function using various tests and measurements. The results indicated improvements in gait speed and cardiac function, suggesting that powered exoskeleton training can be an effective rehabilitation strategy for patients with chronic SCIs or strokes. These findings support the use of exoskeletons to aid in rehabilitation.

• 1
  Gait speed improved in the timed up-and-go test after 6 weeks of training with the powered exoskeleton.
• 2
  Cardiac function, as measured by the metabolic equivalent (MET) and VO2 tests, was enhanced after the exoskeleton training program.
• 3
  The improvements in cardiopulmonary function were maintained for at least 6 weeks after the completion of the exoskeleton training program.