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Published on: June 16, 2016
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Impact of an implanted neuroprosthesis on community ambulation in incomplete SCI
Lisa M Lombardo1, Rudolf Kobetic1, Gilles Pinault1
1a Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Cleveland , Ohio , USA.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|February 4, 2017
Summary
An implanted neuroprosthesis improved walking distance and kinematics in a spinal cord injury (SCI) patient. This electrical stimulation technology enhanced mobility and reduced energy expenditure for community ambulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) often impairs mobility and walking ability.
- Restoring functional ambulation is a key goal in SCI rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of a multi-joint control system with implanted electrical stimulation on walking in an individual with SCI.
- To assess improvements in gait parameters, energy consumption, and user experience.
Main Methods:
- Single-subject research design with repeated measures.
- Utilized an implanted pulse generator for lower extremity muscle activation combined with gait training.
- Assessed biomechanics in a laboratory setting and community use.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in average walking speed over longer distances with stimulation (0.22 m/s vs. 0.12 m/s volitional).
- A 413% increase in walking distance (95m to 488m) with stimulation.
- Reduced oxygen consumption (22%) and upper extremity forces (16%), with significant improvements in hip/knee flexion and ankle kinematics.
Conclusions:
- An implanted neuroprosthesis facilitated longer distance walking with improved gait mechanics and reduced physiological cost in an individual with incomplete SCI.
- Further research is needed to validate the generalizability and functional impact of this technology for community ambulation post-SCI.
