Article

Historically, persons with paralysis have limited options for overground
ambulation. Recently, powered exoskeletons have become available, which are
systems that translate the user's body movements to activate motors to move the
lower limbs through a predetermined gait pattern. As part of an ongoing clinical
study (NCT01454570), eight nonambulatory persons with paraplegia were trained to
ambulate with a powered exoskeleton. Measurements of oxygen uptake (VO2) and
heart rate (HR) were recorded for 6 min each during each maneuver while sitting,
standing, and walking. The average value of VO2 during walking (11.2 +/- 1.7
mL/kg/min) was significantly higher than those for sitting and standing (3.5 +/-
0.4 and 4.3 +/- 0.9 mL/kg/min, respectively; p < 0.001). The HR response during
walking was significantly greater than that of either sitting or standing (118
+/- 21vs 70 +/- 10 and 81 +/- 12 beats per minute, respectively: p < 0.001).
Persons with paraplegia were able to ambulate efficiently using the powered
exoskeleton for overground ambulation, providing potential for functional gain
and improved fitness. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov;
NCT01454570; "The ReWalk Exoskeletal Walking System for Persons with Paraplegia
(VA_ReWalk)"; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01454570.

Langue : ANGLAIS