Neurorehabilitation using a voluntary driven exoskeletal robot improves trunk function in patients with chronic spinal cord injury: a single-arm study

Neural Regen Res, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.317983 · Published: July 8, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether body weight-supported treadmill training with a voluntary driven exoskeleton (VDE-BWSTT) can improve trunk function in patients with chronic spinal cord injury. Nine patients with chronic spinal cord injury underwent twenty 60-minute gait training sessions using VDE, and their trunk muscular strength was evaluated. The results suggest that VDE-BWSTT can improve the trunk function of patients with chronic spinal cord injury, particularly lateral muscular strength, and the effect might be greater in older adult patients.

Study Duration

September 2017 to March 2019

Participants

Nine patients with chronic spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Level 3; Single-arm study

Key Findings

1
Lateral trunk muscular strength significantly improved after intervention with VDE-BWSTT.
2
A significant positive correlation was detected between the change in lateral trunk muscular strength and gait speed.
3
The change in trunk muscular strength was greatly correlated with patient age, suggesting older adults achieved greater improvement.

Research Summary

This study assessed the effectiveness of body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) with VDE (VDE-BWSTT) on trunk function in patients with chronic SCI. Following 20 training sessions, these patients showed a significant improvement in lateral trunk muscle strength, with a post hoc analysis also showing that posterior trunk muscle strength was improved. Older adult patients with chronic SCI showed greater improvement following VDE-BWSTT, regardless of the time interval from the initial injury or its severity.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

VDE-BWSTT can be used as a neurorehabilitation strategy to improve trunk function in patients with chronic SCI.

Targeted Therapy

Older adult patients with chronic SCI may benefit more from VDE-BWSTT compared to younger patients.

Future Research

Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of VDE-BWSTT and to distinguish the effects of VDE from those of BWSTT.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size and heterogeneity of patients with respect to neurologic levels and severity of injury.
2
Lack of observational data such as electromyography.
3
The study did not address the long-term effects of the therapy.

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