Effect of Gait Training Program with Mechanical Exoskeleton on Body Composition of Paraplegics

This study investigates the impact of a 52-week gait training program using an exoskeletal body-powered gait orthosis (EBPGO) on the body composition of individuals with paraplegia. Ten participants with spinal cord injuries were divided into exercise and non-exercise groups to compare the effects of the gait training program. The gait training program aims to manage body composition, prevent obesity, and its effects are measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis.

• 1
  The exercise group showed no significant changes in weight, fat-free mass, lean body mass, and percent fat mass after the 52-week program.
• 2
  The non-exercise group exhibited significant decreases in fat-free mass and lean body mass, along with a significant increase in percent fat mass.
• 3
  In the non-exercise group, the upper limbs showed the most significant decrease in lean body mass compared to the trunks and lower limbs.