Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cable-driven robotic resistance treadmill
training can improve locomotor function in humans with incomplete spinal cord
injury (SCI). DESIGN: Repeated assessment of the same patients with crossover design. SETTING: Research units of rehabilitation hospitals in Chicago.
PARTICIPANTS: Patients with chronic incomplete SCI (N=10) were recruited to
participate in this study. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of
2 groups. One group received 4 weeks of assistance training followed by 4 weeks
of resistance training, while the other group received 4 weeks of resistance
training followed by 4 weeks of assistance training. Locomotor training was
provided by using a cable-driven robotic locomotor training system, which is
highly backdrivable and compliant, allowing patients the freedom to voluntarily
move their legs in a natural gait pattern during body weight supported treadmill
training (BWSTT), while providing controlled assistance/resistance forces to the
leg during the swing phase of gait. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome
measures were evaluated for each participant before training and after 4 and 8
weeks of training. Primary measures were self-selected and fast overground
walking velocity and 6-minute walking distance. Secondary measures included
clinical assessments of balance, muscle tone, and strength. RESULTS: A significant improvement in walking speed and balance in humans with SCI was
observed after robotic treadmill training using the cable-driven robotic
locomotor trainer. There was no significant difference in walking functional
gains after resistance versus assistance training, although resistance training
was more effective for higher functioning patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cable-driven
robotic resistance training may be used as an adjunct to BWSTT for improving
overground walking function in humans with incomplete SCI, particularly for those
patients with relatively high function.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS