Potential Effects of an Exoskeleton-Assisted Overground Walking Program for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury Who Uses a Wheelchair on Imaging and Serum Markers of Bone Strength: Pre-Post Study

JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol, 2024 · DOI: 10.2196/53084 · Published: January 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigated the use of exoskeleton-assisted walking programs to improve bone health in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) who use wheelchairs. The study measured bone strength and bone remodeling biomarkers before and after a 16-week exoskeleton-assisted walking program. The results showed promising improvements in bone strength markers at the femur and tibia after the intervention, suggesting that exoskeleton-assisted walking may help improve bone health in this population.

Study Duration

16 weeks

Participants

10 participants with chronic SCI who use a wheelchair

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Significant increases were observed at the femur in femoral neck bone mineral content, bone strength index, and stress-strain index.
2
Significant increases were observed at the tibia in cortical cross-sectional area and polar moment of inertia after the intervention.
3
There was a decrease in estimated femoral cortical thickness after the intervention.

Research Summary

This study aimed to measure the effects of a 16-week exoskeleton-assisted walking program on lower-extremity bone strength and bone remodeling biomarkers in individuals with chronic SCI who use a wheelchair. The results showed significant and meaningful increases in bone strength markers at the femur and tibia after the intervention, suggesting promising improvements in bone strength. The study concludes that these initial results suggest promising improvements in bone strength markers after a 16-week exoskeleton-assisted walking program in individuals with chronic SCI.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Exoskeleton-assisted walking programs may be a beneficial rehabilitation strategy for improving bone health in individuals with chronic SCI.

Further Research

Additional research is needed to strengthen the evidence, including larger sample sizes, longer interventions, and combined modalities such as pharmacotherapy or functional electrical stimulation.

Personalized Approach

Future studies should consider clinical characteristics (e.g., gender, osteoporotic status, obesity status) to develop a more personalized approach to the intervention.

Potential Effects of an Exoskeleton-Assisted Overground Walking Program for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury Who Uses a Wheelchair on Imaging and Serum Markers of Bone Strength: Pre-Post Study

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Further Research

Personalized Approach

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Potential Effects of an Exoskeleton-Assisted Overground Walking Program for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury Who Uses a Wheelchair on Imaging and Serum Markers of Bone Strength: Pre-Post Study

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Further Research

Personalized Approach

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?