EXOSKELETON GAIT TRAINING TO IMPROVE LOWER URINARY TRACT FUNCTION IN PEOPLE WITH MOTOR-COMPLETE SPINAL CORD INJURY: A RANDOMIZED PILOT TRIAL

This study demonstrates that delivering an exoskeleton intervention to people with spinal cord injury for urinary bladder health is feasible. The study showed that the pelvic floor muscles are active while walking in 1 type of exoskeleton, but it remains unclear how exoskeleton-walking may help improve urinary bladder outcomes. Further research is needed to explore how exoskeleton interventions may engage the pelvic floor muscles and improve urinary bladder health outcomes for those with spinal cord injury.

• 1
  This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of delivering an exoskeleton training programme targeting lower urinary tract function.
• 2
  Ekso-walking elicits pelvic floor muscle activity, but it remains unclear how locomotor training impacts lower urinary tract function.
• 3
  All participants improved their walking speed and steps/distance from pre- to post-assessment.