Effects of robot-assisted gait training on cardiopulmonary function and lower extremity strength in individuals with spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2188392 · Published: January 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is used to help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) improve their walking. This study looks at whether RAGT improves lower extremity strength and cardiopulmonary function in SCI survivors. The study combined data from multiple studies comparing RAGT to other therapies in SCI patients. The analysis showed RAGT may improve lower extremity strength and cardiovascular endurance, but not static pulmonary function. RAGT may be a helpful method for improving strength and endurance in SCI patients. More studies with larger groups of people are needed to confirm these results.

Study Duration

4 weeks to 3 months

Participants

408 patients with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Key Findings

1
RAGT may have a positive effect on enhancing lower extremity strength in individuals with SCI.
2
RAGT may lead to better cardiopulmonary endurance compared to control groups in individuals with SCI.
3
No significant effect of RAGT was noticed on static pulmonary function in individuals with SCI.

Research Summary

This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of RAGT in improving CPF and LES among individuals with SCI. The pooled analysis demonstrated that RAGT may have a positive effect for individuals with SCI on lower extremity strength enhancing and cardiopulmonary endurance. RAGT had positive effects on LES and CPF for patients with SCI. No significant effect was observed of RAGT on static pulmonary function.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

RAGT can be considered as a useful technique for improving lower limb strength and cardiovascular endurance in SCI survivors.

Training Intensity

Patients must have sufficient training intensity with at least six weeks of training to achieve the expected training effect.

Future Research

Future studies are suggested to include more indicators that can reflect cardiac function should be considered to comprehensively evaluate changes in cardiac function by RAGT.

Study Limitations

1
Low number of selected studies and subjects limits the statistical power of the results.
2
Lack of comprehensive assessment indicators for cardiac function in the included studies.
3
The LES statistical effect size in our study has not reached the MCID, and it is not clear whether VO2 max has reached the MCID.

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