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Robotic-Assisted, Body-Weight–Supported Treadmill Training in Individuals Following Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

TG Hornby, PT, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois, Chicago, Ill; Adjunct Research Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago; and Research Scientist/Physical Therapist, Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
DH Zemon, PT, is Research Physical Therapist, Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
D Campbell, PTA, is Research Physical Therapist Assistant, Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Address all correspondence to Dr Hornby at Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois, 1919 W Taylor St, Room 413, Chicago, IL 60612 (USA) (tgh{at}uic.edu)

Background and Purpose. Performance of therapist-assisted, body-weight–supported treadmill training (BWSTT) to enhance walking ability of people with neurological injury is an area of intense research. Its application in the clinical setting, however, is limited by the personnel and labor requirements placed on physical therapists. Recent development of motorized ("robotic") rehabilitative devices that provide assistance during stepping may improve delivery of BWSTT. Case Description. This case report describes the use of a robotic device to enhance motor recovery and ambulation in 3 people following motor incomplete spinal cord injury. Interventions. Changes in motor impairment, functional limitations, and locomotor disability were monitored weekly during robotic-assisted BWSTT and following transition to therapist-assisted BWSTT with the assistance of one therapist. Outcomes. Following this training, 2 patients recovered independent over-ground walking and another improved his gait speed and endurance. Discussion. The use of robotic devices may assist physical therapists by providing task-specific practice of stepping in people following neurological injury.

Key Words: Gait training • Locomotion • Rehabilitation • Robotics

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