Recovery of appetite after using a direct weight-bearing exoskeleton for walking: a case report

Spinal cord injuries can disrupt the body's ability to communicate between organs and the brain, impacting the autonomic nervous system. This can lead to various complications, including changes in appetite that are often overlooked. This case report describes a man with a spinal cord injury who experienced a return of appetite after using a robotic exoskeleton to walk. The exoskeleton assists with walking, unloading weight from the lower limbs. The researchers suggest that the exoskeleton-assisted walking may have improved autonomic and visceral afferent functions, which are related to hunger. They also note that the mood enhancement from walking could have contributed to the appetite recovery.

• 1
  A patient with complete SCI (T8, AIS A) experienced a recovery of appetite during exoskeleton-assisted walking therapy after not having an appetite since the injury.
• 2
  The appetite improvement occurred after two sessions of exoskeleton-assisted walking, coinciding with the onset of walking in the exoskeleton.
• 3
  The patient reported an increase in hunger sensation, began to plan meals more consistently, and experienced a sense of well-being and optimism.