Effectiveness of the Lower extremity Powered ExoSkeleton (LOPES) robotic gait trainer on ability and quality of walking in SCI patients

Robotic gait trainers are promising tools to provide intensive, repetitive and goal oriented training to neurological patients without placing high physical demands on therapists. The first generation robotic devices typically enforce a specific walking pattern upon the patient. Recently, “assist-as-needed” algorithms have been introduced to control the robotic gait trainers. These algorithms promote active participation of the patients by applying assistive forces, where and when subjects need it. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of robot aided gait training using an “assistas- needed” algorithm for hip flexion on the ability and quality of walking in spinal cord injured patients. Twelve motor-incomplete SCI patients followed an eight week gait training program using the LOPES. Before and after the training period clinical tests were assessed and 3D kinematics during normal overground walking was measured. A statistical significant improvement in walking ability, total hip range of motion and most spatiotemporal parameters was found after training. These results indicate that training in the LOPES, using the “assist-as-needed” algorithm for hip flexion, improves the ability and quality of walking in the selected SCI patients.