Rehabilitation Program for Gait Training Using UAN.GO, a Powered Exoskeleton: A Case Report

Neurol. Int., 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/neurolint14020043 · Published: June 16, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the use of the UAN.GO robotic exoskeleton for gait training in a patient with a complete spinal cord injury. The exoskeleton is designed to assist individuals with lower limb impairments to walk again. A training protocol was developed involving 13 sessions, each lasting 1.5 hours. The patient's mobility, exertion level, and skill acquisition were monitored throughout the program. The results showed significant improvement in the patient's walking distance and increased independence with the exoskeleton, suggesting it can be a useful tool for rehabilitation.

Study Duration

13 sessions

Participants

A single patient having D10 complete SCI

Evidence Level

Case Report

Key Findings

1
The patient showed a significant improvement in the six-minute walk test (6MWT), increasing walking distance from 45.64 meters to 84.87 meters.
2
The patient maintained a stable level of perceived exertion during the 6MWT, despite the increased walking distance and complexity of gait patterns.
3
The patient achieved a higher level of independence and functional mobility with the exoskeleton, being able to stand up and sit down in autonomous mode with supervision.

Research Summary

This case report details a rehabilitation program using the UAN.GO exoskeleton for a patient with complete SCI, focusing on gait training and functional mobility. The study outlines the training protocol, including exercises to improve standing, walking, and stair climbing, and assesses the patient's progress through the 6MWT and BORG scale. The results suggest that UAN.GO can be a valuable tool for walking rehabilitation in SCI patients, leading to increased mobility and independence.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Tool

UAN.GO® can be a valid tool for walking rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients.

Personalized Training Paths

The ONE MORE STEP protocol seems to be an effective and useful tool in the approach and deﬁnition of personalized training paths with powered lower limbs exoskeletons.

Improved Independence

The patient achieved greater mobility performances with UAN.GO, allowing the achievement of greater mobility performances.

Study Limitations

1
The study is a case report with a single participant, limiting statistical significance and generalization.
2
The variety of clinical manifestations of SCI necessitates further studies to assess the protocol's effectiveness across different injury levels and individual characteristics.
3
Psychosocial aspects and motivation of participants were not assessed, which could influence rehabilitation outcomes.

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