Supported treadmill ambulation training after spinal cord injury: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) often impairs ambulation, necessitating innovative rehabilitation strategies.
• Weight-supported treadmill training offers a potential avenue for improving gait function in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a 12-week weight-supported treadmill ambulation training program for individuals with chronic, incomplete thoracic spinal cord injuries.
• To assess changes in gait parameters, oxygen costs, and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving three participants with incomplete SCI (ASIA impairment scale C or D) was conducted.
• Participants underwent 12 weeks of supervised treadmill training with pneumatic weight support, gradually progressing support reduction and treadmill speed.
• Gait speed, endurance, oxygen cost, and ASIA scores were primary outcome measures.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in gait speed (0.118 m/s to 0.318 m/s) and gait endurance (20.3 m/5 min to 63.5 m/5 min) after 12 weeks of training.
• Oxygen cost of walking decreased from 1.96 to 1.33 mL·kg⁻¹·m⁻¹.
• The training was deemed safe for all participants.

Conclusions:

• Supported treadmill ambulation training is a safe and effective intervention for improving objective gait measures in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
• Patient-centered outcome measures, such as self-report indices, show promise for evaluating this new gait training approach.
• Further research with larger, controlled trials is recommended to confirm these findings.