Different Effects of Robot-Assisted Gait and Independent Over-Ground Gait on Foot Plantar Pressure in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Preliminary Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212072 · Published: November 17, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of robot-assisted gait (RAG) and independent over-ground gait (IOGG) on foot pressure in patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries. The research aims to determine which method is more effective for improving gait patterns in these patients. The findings suggest that RAG may limit gait pattern improvement compared to IOGG in patients with gait disturbances due to incomplete spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

4 patients with incomplete spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Level 3-4, Preliminary Study

Key Findings

1
Robot-assisted gait resulted in lower peak foot pressure compared to independent over-ground gait in both strong and weak legs.
2
Robot-assisted gait showed a shorter stance phase duration than independent over-ground gait in both strong and weak legs.
3
The differences in peak foot pressure and stance phase duration between robot-assisted gait and independent over-ground gait were not statistically significant.

Research Summary

This study analyzes the effects of robot-assisted gait (RAG) and independent over-ground gait (IOGG) on foot pressure in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. The results indicate that RAG has lower peak foot pressure and shorter stance phase duration compared to IOGG, although these differences were not statistically significant. The study concludes that robot-assisted gait may limit gait pattern improvement in patients with gait disturbance caused by incomplete spinal cord injury due to industrial accidents.

Practical Implications

Optimal Protocol Design

Future research should focus on determining the optimal protocol for robot-assisted gait training to maximize gait pattern improvement.

Equipment Improvement

The design of robot-assisted gait devices should be improved to facilitate more normal gait patterns.

Wearable Assistive Robots

Additional research is needed on gait training using wearable assistive limb robots on the ground.

Study Limitations

1
The study involved a small sample size of only four participants.
2
Walking speed was adjusted between RAG and IOGG, potentially influencing results.
3
The effects of guidance force and body-weight support during RAG were minimized but not eliminated.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury