Related Experiment Videos
Gait training regimen for incomplete spinal cord injury using functional electrical stimulation
T A Thrasher1, H M Flett, M R Popovic
1University of Toronto, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, Ontario, Canada.
Spinal Cord
|October 27, 2005
Summary
This study shows that a multiweek neuroprosthesis intervention significantly improved walking function in individuals with chronic, incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI), demonstrating a viable rehabilitation approach.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chronic, incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI) often result in impaired walking function.
- Current rehabilitation strategies may not yield significant functional improvements in this population.
Observation:
- A case series involving five individuals with chronic, incomplete SCI participated in a 12-18 week training program.
- Subjects used a novel multichannel neuroprosthesis to aid in walking.
- Outcome measures included walking speed, stride length, step frequency, and assistive device use.
Findings:
- All participants demonstrated significant improvements in walking function.
- Four subjects exhibited increased walking speed, attributed to enhanced stride length and step frequency.
- One subject reduced their reliance on assistive devices.
Implications:
- The neuroprosthesis-assisted gait training regimen is a feasible and effective intervention for improving voluntary walking in individuals with incomplete SCI.
- This approach offers a promising avenue for SCI rehabilitation, particularly for patients with limited expected functional gains.