Robotic assisted gait as a tool for rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in sensory and motor deficits, compromising muscle recruitment and motor planning, which reduces functional capacity and leads to secondary complications. Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) is emerging as a rehabilitation tool. This systematic review compares robotic gait devices and synthesizes scientific evidence regarding their use in SCI rehabilitation. The review analyzes studies using robotic devices for SCI rehabilitation. The review shows robotic devices can reduce pain and spasticity, alter proprioceptive capacity, improve sensitivity to temperature, vibration, and pressure, influence reflex behavior and electrical activity, and increase walking speed and distance traveled.

• 1
  Robotic gait devices have distinct features and increasing application in recent years.
• 2
  Studies show promising results in reducing pain and spasticity, altering proprioceptive capacity, sensitivity to temperature, vibration, and pressure.
• 3
  Robotic devices can lead to improvements in sitting posture, intestinal, cardiorespiratory, metabolic, tegmental, and psychological functions.