Effects of Deep Core Activation Method Using Wearable Cyborg HAL in a Supine Position for Ameliorating Defecatory...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Fecal incontinence and evacuation disorder significantly impact quality of life for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.
• Weakness in deep core muscular activity is a primary cause of these bowel dysfunctions in SCI.
• Existing treatments for deep core muscle dysfunction in SCI are often invasive or difficult to implement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the applicability of a minimally invasive method using the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) exoskeleton for SCI patients.
• To evaluate the potential of HAL-assisted hip flexion to ameliorate deep core muscular activity in SCI.
• To validate a novel therapeutic approach for bowel dysfunction in SCI.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving a 24-year-old SCI patient with deep core muscle paralysis.
• Four weeks of supine HAL-assisted hip flexion (30 minutes, 4 times/week).
• Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement and sphincter electromyography (EMG) assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at a two-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The HAL-assisted intervention was applicable to the SCI patient.
• Increasing trends in both IAP and sphincter EMG were observed throughout the study periods.
• A significant increase in IAP and sphincter EMG was noted between pre-intervention and the two-month follow-up (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• The proposed HAL-assisted hip flexion methodology is applicable for SCI patients.
• This intervention demonstrates potential for ameliorating deep core muscular activity in SCI.
• This minimally invasive approach may offer a new therapeutic avenue for bowel dysfunction in SCI.