Changes in bowel function following exoskeletal-assisted walking in persons with spinal cord injury: an observational pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Study design

Prospective, observational study.

Objective

To explore the effects of exoskeletal-assisted walking (EAW) on bowel function in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Setting

Ambulatory research facility located in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

Individuals 18-65 years of age, with thoracic vertebrae one (T1) to T11 motor-complete paraplegia of at least 12 months duration were enrolled. Pre- and post-EAW training, participants were asked to report on various aspects of their bowel function as well as on their overall quality of life (QOL) as related to their bowel function.

Results

Ten participants completed 25-63 sessions of EAW over a period of 12-14 weeks, one participant was lost to follow up due to early withdrawal after ten sessions.

SUBMITTER: Chun A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7145720 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature