Mobility Outcomes Following Five Training Sessions with a Powered Exoskeleton

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently results in loss of legged mobility, leading to significant physiological and psychological challenges.
• Powered exoskeletons present a promising solution for restoring mobility and mitigating secondary complications of immobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess mobility outcomes in individuals with SCI following a brief gait-training regimen using a powered exoskeleton.
• To evaluate the learning curve and usability of the investigational Indego exoskeleton system.

Main Methods:

• A pilot clinical trial involving sixteen participants with SCI (injury levels C5 complete to L1 incomplete).
• Evaluation of the Indego exoskeleton for ease of use and mobility restoration.
• Outcome measures included the 10-meter walk test (10 MWT), 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), donning/doffing times, and surface ambulation capabilities.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated rapid learning, achieving average walking speeds between 0.22 m/s (C5-6 tetraplegia) and 0.45 m/s (T9-L1 paraplegia) after 5 sessions.
• Average distances covered in the 6 MWT ranged from 64 meters (C5-6) to 121 meters (T9-L1).
• All participants successfully ambulated on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Conclusions:

• The Indego exoskeleton is quickly learned by individuals with tetraplegia and paraplegia.
• The system facilitates mobility across diverse surfaces.
• Achieved walking speeds and distances suggest potential for individuals with paraplegia to become limited community ambulators.