biostudies-literatureArroyo-Fernandez RRegional Department of Education, Culture and Sports (JCCM) and cofinance by Fondos FEDERRegional Government of Castile-La Mancha1105https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10888564biostudies-literatureUnknown13(4)<h4>Objective</h4>This review aims to analyse the effectiveness of body weight-supported gait training for improving gait and balance in patients with motor-incomplete spinal cord injuries.<h4>Method</h4>Relevant articles were systematically searched in electronic databases to identify randomised controlled trials of body weight-supported gait training (either with methods of robotic, manual, and functional electrical stimulation assistance) versus conventional physical therapy or no intervention. Subjects were >16 years-old with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (AIS C or D). Primary outcomes were gait-related parameters (functionality, endurance, and speed) and balance. Quality of life was included as a secondary outcome. Articles were selected up to 31 December 2023.<h4>Results</h4>Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 673). Nine studies used robotic assistance, four trials performed manual assistance, one study functional electrical stimulation assistance, and one trial performed the intervention without guidance. Robot-assisted body weight-supported gait training improved walking functionality (SMD = 1.74, CI 95%: 1.09 to 2.39), walking endurance (MD = 26.59 m, CI 95% = 22.87 to 30.31), and balance (SMD = 0.63, CI 95% = 0.24 to 1.02).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Body weight-supported gait training is not superior to conventional physiotherapy in gait and balance training in patients with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury. However, body weight-supported gait training with robotic assistance does improve walking functionality, walking endurance, and balance, but not walking speed.Journal of clinical medicineEffectiveness of Body Weight-Supported Gait Training on Gait and Balance for Motor-Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.PMC10888564SBPLY/19/180501/000250Romay-Barrero HFernandez-Maestra APozuelo-Carrascosa DPMenchero-Sanchez RMartinez-Galan IArroyo-Fernandez RfalseEffectiveness of Body Weight-Supported Gait Training on Gait and Balance for Motor-Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.<h4>Objective</h4>This review aims to analyse the effectiveness of body weight-supported gait training for improving gait and balance in patients with motor-incomplete spinal cord injuries.<h4>Method</h4>Relevant articles were systematically searched in electronic databases to identify randomised controlled trials of body weight-supported gait training (either with methods of robotic, manual, and functional electrical stimulation assistance) versus conventional physical therapy or no intervention. Subjects were >16 years-old with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (AIS C or D). Primary outcomes were gait-related parameters (functionality, endurance, and speed) and balance. Quality of life was included as a secondary outcome. Articles were selected up to 31 December 2023.<h4>Results</h4>Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 673). Nine studies used robotic assistance, four trials performed manual assistance, one study functional electrical stimulation assistance, and one trial performed the intervention without guidance. Robot-assisted body weight-supported gait training improved walking functionality (SMD = 1.74, CI 95%: 1.09 to 2.39), walking endurance (MD = 26.59 m, CI 95% = 22.87 to 30.31), and balance (SMD = 0.63, CI 95% = 0.24 to 1.02).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Body weight-supported gait training is not superior to conventional physiotherapy in gait and balance training in patients with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury. However, body weight-supported gait training with robotic assistance does improve walking functionality, walking endurance, and balance, but not walking speed.2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Feb2026-06-29T03:13:47.399Z2025-04-07T03:37:40.916ZS-EPMC108885643839841510.3390/jcm13041105