Retraining walking over ground in a powered exoskeleton after spinal cord injury: a prospective cohort study to examine functional gains and neuroplasticity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Powered exoskeletons provide a way to stand and walk for people with severe spinal cord injury. Here, we used the ReWalk exoskeleton to determine the training dosage required for walking proficiency, the sensory and motor changes in the nervous system with training, and the functionality of the device in a home-like environment.

Methods

Participants with chronic (> 1 yr) motor complete or incomplete spinal cord injury, who were primarily wheelchair users, were trained to walk in the ReWalk for 12 weeks. Measures were taken before, during, immediately after, and 2-3 months after training. Measures included walking progression, sitting balance, skin sensation, spasticity, and strength of the corticospinal tracts.

Results

Twelve participants were enrolled with

SUBMITTER: Khan AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6868817 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature