Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
09:46
Training Persons with Spinal Cord Injury to Ambulate Using a Powered Exoskeleton
Published on: June 16, 2016
21.4K
Effects of Performance-Based Training on Gait and Balance in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury.
Brian T Neville1, Donal Murray1, Kerry B Rosen1
1Department of Rehabilitation Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|April 27, 2019
Summary
Overground locomotor training (OLT) improved balance and gait in individuals with chronic motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). This task-specific, performance-based approach enhanced functional mobility and recovery in participants.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Rehabilitation
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
- Motor Control and Learning
Background:
- Individuals with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) often experience significant impairments in balance and gait.
- Task-specific, performance-based training protocols are crucial for optimizing motor recovery and functional independence post-injury.
- Overground locomotor training (OLT) offers a promising avenue for rehabilitation by focusing on voluntary, task-oriented movements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a task-specific, performance-based overground locomotor training (OLT) protocol.
- To determine the impact of OLT on balance and gait parameters in adults with chronic motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI).
- To assess changes in functional mobility following a structured OLT intervention.
Main Methods:
- A prepilot and postpilot study design was employed.
- Participants (N=15) with chronic iSCI (ASIA Impairment Scale C or D) underwent 12-15 weeks of OLT.
- Training involved two 90-minute sessions weekly, emphasizing practice variability, task specificity, and progressive overload, utilizing voluntary movements and assistive devices as needed.
Main Results:
- Fourteen participants completed the OLT protocol.
- Significant improvements were observed in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores (mean increase of 4.53±4.09, P<.001).
- Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Inventory (SCI-FAI) scores also showed a significant increase (mean increase of 2.47±3.44, P=.01), while spatiotemporal gait measures did not change significantly.
Conclusions:
- Task-specific, performance-based overground locomotor training (OLT) is effective in improving balance in individuals with chronic iSCI.
- The OLT protocol demonstrated positive effects on selected functional ambulation measures.
- This pilot study supports the use of OLT as a viable rehabilitation strategy for enhancing functional outcomes in chronic iSCI.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Spinal Cord
1.6K
The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.
1.6K
01:54The Spinal Cord
31.6K
The spinal cord is the body’s major nerve tract of the central nervous system, communicating afferent sensory information from the periphery to the brain and efferent motor information from the brain to the body. The human spinal cord extends from the hole at the base of the skull, or foramen magnum, to the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra.
31.6K
01:10Spinal Cord: Information Processing
3.3K
The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
3.3K
01:25Acid-Base Balance
2.3K
The human body maintains a narrow pH range regulated through acid-base balance. This balance is crucial as changes in the hydrogen ion concentration can disrupt cell membrane stability, alter protein structures, and change enzyme activities. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.4, venous blood and interstitial fluid is 7.35, and intracellular fluid averages 7.0.
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
2.3K
01:15Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy
5.5K
The spinal cord resides within the protective confines of the vertebral column. It is the main pathway for information traveling between the brain and the body. It plays a fundamental role in nearly all bodily functions, from simple reflexes to complex motor movements. The spinal cord begins at the medulla oblongata at the base of the brainstem and extends downward, terminating at the conus medullaris near the first and second lumbar vertebrae. The spinal cord's length in adults is...
5.5K
01:29Disorders of Acid-Base Balance
1.9K
The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
1.9K