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Observational Study
. 2020 Sep;58(9):988-997.
doi: 10.1038/s41393-020-0454-2. Epub 2020 Apr 6.

Gait rehabilitation in persons with spinal cord injury using innovative technologies: an observational study

Giulia Stampacchia  1 , Matteo Olivieri  2 , Alessandro Rustici  2 , Carla D'Avino  2 , Adriana Gerini  2 , Stefano Mazzoleni  3
Affiliations
Observational Study

Gait rehabilitation in persons with spinal cord injury using innovative technologies: an observational study

Giulia Stampacchia et al. Spinal Cord. 2020 Sep.

Abstract

Study design: Prospective, quasi-experimental study, pre- and post-design, single arm study.

Objectives: Investigate whether persons affected by SCI can safely experience walking function using Robotic Exoskeletons and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).

Setting: Inpatient METHODS: 52 persons with SCI were recruited (36 completed the protocol) and assigned to one of two groups based on their Lower Limb Motor Scores (LEMS): Group A: LEMS ≥ 10 and Group B: LEMS < 10. Participants in Group A (n = 19) underwent 20 sessions of Robot-Assisted Gait Training (RAGT) on a treadmill followed by 20 sessions of FES during Overground Gait (FES-OG). Participants in Group B (n = 17) received 20 sessions of FES-cycling followed by 20 sessions of overground RAGT. The main outcome measures were: WISCI-II, 10MWT, 6MWT, TUG and SCIM-II.

Results: 36 persons completed the study with no complications; only 4 of the 16 dropped out because of mild complications during the RAGT. Participants in Group A exhibited significant improvements in WISCI-II, 10MWT, 6MWT and TUG (p < 0.05), while those in Group B did not significantly improve their gait function but their walking velocity and resistance with the assistance of the robotic exoskeleton increased. SCIM-II scores increased followed therapy only in Group A.

Conclusions: Persons affected by SCI can safely experience their walking function with RAGT and FES therapy; only few mild complications were observed. Our data provides initial evidence of the potential value of these technologies, especially in persons with SCI having LEMS > 10.

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