Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-024-01365-2 · Published: May 8, 2024
Exoskeletons are increasingly being used in rehabilitation to help people with neurological impairments improve their gait and balance. However, there's no clear consensus on the best way to use them. This review looks at existing studies to figure out the most effective 'dose' (session length, total sessions) and 'dosage' (frequency, total time) of exoskeleton therapy for people with spinal cord injuries. The review suggests that a 60-minute session, three times a week, for nine weeks is a good general recommendation. Specific protocols for functional restoration and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation are also identified.
Provides evidence-based recommendations for exoskeleton training protocols based on therapeutic goals (functional restoration or cardiorespiratory rehabilitation).
Highlights the need for standardized methods and common therapeutic outcomes in exoskeleton clinical translation studies.
Calls for multicenter studies to validate the therapeutic effectiveness of specific dose and dosage parameters for optimal gait and balance rehabilitation.