The effects of robot assisted gait training on temporal-spatial characteristics of people with spinal cord injuries: A systematic review

This review examines the impact of robotic assisted gait training (RAGT) on the walking abilities of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). RAGT uses robotic systems to help SCI individuals walk, either on a treadmill or overground with an exoskeleton. The study looks at whether using these robotic systems leads to improvements in how SCI patients walk, specifically considering speed and distance, and whether treadmill-based or overground systems are more effective. The review concludes that while RAGT can be beneficial, it should be part of a broader rehabilitation program rather than the only treatment method, and more research is needed to determine the best RAGT approach for different patients.

• 1
  The use of treadmill or overground based RAGT did not result in an increase in walking speed beyond that of conventional gait training.
• 2
  No studies reviewed enabled a large enough improvement to facilitate community ambulation.
• 3
  Limited evidence exists regarding the use of overground RAGT systems compared to treadmill-based systems, making direct comparisons difficult.