Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2025
09:46
Training Persons with Spinal Cord Injury to Ambulate Using a Powered Exoskeleton
Published on: June 16, 2016
20.7K
Exoskeleton-assisted Gait Training in Spinal Disease With Gait Disturbance
Tak Gun Jang1, Su Hong Choi2, Seung Han Yu1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
Korean Journal of Neurotrauma
|November 16, 2022
Summary
Overground exoskeleton-assisted gait training (OEGT) shows promise for improving gait performance, balance, and strength in patients with degenerative spinal disease. This rehabilitation method is feasible and well-tolerated, enhancing patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Gait impairment significantly diminishes quality of life.
- Exoskeletons and wearable robotics offer potential for restoring mobility in patients with gait disturbances.
- Previous exoskeleton applications have focused on stroke and spinal cord injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of overground exoskeleton-assisted gait training (OEGT) in patients suffering from gait disturbance due to degenerative spinal diseases.
Main Methods:
- A single-group preliminary study involving five participants with gait disorders secondary to root dysfunction from spinal stenosis.
- Participants underwent surgical treatment followed by a 4-week OEGT protocol (2-3 sessions/week, 60 minutes/session).
- Clinical assessments were conducted pre-training (T1) and post-training (T2).
Main Results:
- Exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation proved feasible for all participants, with one dropout due to unrelated medical issues.
- All participants demonstrated positive improvements in gait performance, balance, proximal muscle strength, psychological state, and rehabilitation satisfaction.
- No significant improvements were observed in neurological deficits.
Conclusions:
- Overground exoskeleton-assisted gait training (OEGT) is a feasible and beneficial rehabilitation strategy for individuals with gait disorders stemming from degenerative spinal conditions.
- OEGT positively impacts functional mobility, strength, and psychological well-being in this patient population.
