Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect on body composition and bone mineral density of
locomotor training using a robotic exoskeleton in individuals with spinal cord injury. STUDY DESIGN: Interventional study. SUBJECTS / METHODS:
Five adults with a
non-progressive traumatic complete sensorimotor spinal cord injury who were using
a wheelchair as a primary mode of mobility. Participants performed a personalized
6-week progressive locomotor training programme using a robotic exoskeleton 3
times/week for up to 60 min. Body composition measures were determined using dual
energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography.
RESULTS: A significant increase in leg and appendicular lean body mass and a
decrease in total, leg and appendicular fat mass was observed after the
intervention. Furthermore, the calf muscle cross-sectional area increased
significantly after the intervention. Finally, although not statistically
significant, there was an increase of 14.5% in bone mineral density of the tibia,
which may be clinically significant. A decrease of > 5 % was also noted for
subcutaneous adipose tissue and intramuscular adipose tissue. CONCLUSION:
Locomotor training using a robotic exoskeleton appears to be associated with
improvements in body composition and, potentially, bone health.

Langue : ANGLAIS