Hybrid 12-Month Exoskeleton Training with Percutaneous Epidural Stimulation After Spinal Cord Injury.

ABSTRACT: Background: Exoskeleton-assisted walking (EAW) is an effective method of rehabilitation that improves ambulation as well as independence in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Percutaneous spinal cord epidural stimulation (SCES) is another strategy that has shown promising results for promoting locomotor recovery in persons with SCI. We hypothesized that the hybrid application of SCES with EAW for 12 months would further enhance motor performance after SCI. Methods: Four males with chronic motor complete SCI underwent permanent implantation with percutaneous SCES. Participants were assigned to either 12 months of EAW + SCES or EAW without SCES [three times weekly] for the first 6 months, followed by an additional 6 months of EAW + SCES + resistance training (RT

SUBMITTER: Deitrich JN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12843262 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature