Exoskeleton-assisted Gait Training in Spinal Disease With Gait Disturbance

Korean J Neurotrauma, 2022 · DOI: 10.13004/kjnt.2022.18.e25 · Published: October 1, 2022

Neurology Spinal Disorders Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores the use of overground exoskeleton-assisted gait training (OEGT) for patients with gait disturbances due to spinal stenosis. An exoskeleton is a wearable robotic device that helps patients stand and walk. The study aims to evaluate if OEGT is a feasible and effective rehabilitation method for these patients. The study included five participants with gait disorders related to spinal stenosis. They underwent surgical treatment followed by an exoskeleton training protocol for 4 weeks, with sessions lasting 60 minutes each. Clinical tests were conducted before and after the training to assess changes in gait performance, balance, and other factors. The results indicated that OEGT is a feasible rehabilitation method, with participants showing improvements in gait performance, balance, muscle strength, psychological state, and satisfaction. However, there was no significant improvement in neurological deficits.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

5 participants with gait disorders due to root dysfunction accompanying spinal stenosis

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants showed positive changes in gait performance, balance, proximal muscle strength, psychologic state and satisfaction of rehabilitation after OEGT.
2
Two patients who initially could not complete a 6-meter walking test showed improvement, with one being able to complete it after OEGT.
3
Three participants demonstrated improvement in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores after the training.

Research Summary

This study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of overground exoskeleton-assisted gait training (OEGT) for patients with gait disorders caused by spinal stenosis. The study included five participants who underwent surgical treatment and a 4-week OEGT protocol. The results indicated that OEGT is a feasible rehabilitation method, with participants showing improvements in gait performance, balance, muscle strength, psychological state, and satisfaction. However, there was no significant improvement in neurological deficits. The study suggests that OEGT can be a safe and effective rehabilitation method for patients with gait disorders due to spinal root dysfunction, particularly in improving balance function and psychological support.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

OEGT may be considered as a rehabilitation strategy for patients with gait disorders caused by degenerative spinal disease.

Improved Patient Outcomes

OEGT could lead to improved gait performance, balance, muscle strength, and psychological well-being in patients with spinal stenosis.

Early Intensive Training

OEGT allows for early intensive training and overground walking, which can provide patients with motivation for movement outside the bed.

Study Limitations

1
The current study is single observation study and was the lack of a control group
2
The number of participants was limited because of only patients who had suffered gait disorder due to spinal root injury.
3
The robotic training protocol is implanted only for a short period of 4 weeks.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Neurology