Article

Ankle joint control plays an important role in independent walking.
This study investigated the effects of robotic-assisted locomotor training on
impaired ankle joint control in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord
injury. METHODS: Sixteen individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury underwent
12 one-h sessions of robotic-assisted locomotor training for 4 weeks, while 16
individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury served as inactive controls.
Changes in ankle control measures, torque and co-activation were evaluated during
maximal voluntary contractions in dorsi- and plantar-flexion. Changes in walking
performance measures using Timed Up and Go (TUG), 10-m walk (10MWT) and 6-min
walk (6MWT) tests were evaluated at 2 time points: baseline and after 4 weeks.
RESULTS: Maximal voluntary contractions torque during both dorsi- and
plantar-flexion contractions improved markedly in the robotic-assisted locomotor
training group compared with baseline. Furthermore, after the training,
co-activation during the dorsi-flexion maximal voluntary contractions decreased
in the training group compared with controls. In addition, the training group
significantly improved walking mobility (TUG) and speed (10MWT) compared with
baseline. Finally, correlation analysis indicated a significant linear
relationship between maximal voluntary contraction torques and walking
performance measures. CONCLUSION: These findings provide evidence that
robotic-assisted locomotor training improves ankle joint control, which may
translate into enhanced walking performance in individuals with chronic
incomplete spinal cord injury.

Langue : ANGLAIS