Effects of Exoskeleton Training Intervention on Net Loading Force in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

The goal of this study was to understand the rehabilitative effects of longitudinal overground exoskeleton training (>100 hours) on gait mechanics, especially foot loading, for gains in walking speed in an individual with chronic motor-incomplete SCI. Biomechanical measures included: normalized plantar loading forces, walking speed and bilateral weight transfer ratio during walking in the EksoGT™ exoskeleton. Longitudinal training with a robotic exoskeleton yielded improvements in clinical outcomes (AIS classification, ISNCSCI motor scores and 10MWT) and provided functional gains in terms of biomechanical outcomes (plantar forces, weight transfer point) to increase overall walking speed.