External cues benefit walking ability of ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury

This study investigates how external cues, like visual or visuotemporal cues, affect the walking ability of people with spinal cord injuries. The goal was to see if these cues could help improve their walking speed and other related factors. Participants walked under three conditions: without cues, with visual cues (colored tapes on the floor), and with visuotemporal cues (a moving ball). Their walking speed, stride length, cadence, and step symmetry were measured and compared. The study found that visuotemporal cues, in particular, significantly improved walking speed, stride length, and cadence compared to walking without cues. This improvement was seen even in participants with chronic injuries, more severe SCI, or those using walking devices.

• 1
  Participants showed a significant increase in walking speed, stride length, and cadence when using external cues, especially visuotemporal cues, compared to the uncued condition.
• 2
  The improvement in walking speed was observed even in participants with chronic injuries (more than 12 months post-injury), severe SCI (ASIA Impairment Scale C), or those who required walking devices.
• 3
  Visuotemporal cues facilitated participants to walk with the fastest speed, highest cadence and most step symmetry.