Overground vs. treadmill-based robotic gait training to improve seated balance in people with motor-complete spinal cord injury: a case report.

Journal: Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation
Published Date:

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Robotic overground gait training devices, such as the Ekso, require users to actively participate in triggering steps through weight-shifting movements. It remains unknown how much the trunk muscles are activated during these movements, and if it is possible to transfer training effects to seated balance control. This study was conducted to compare the activity of postural control muscles of the trunk during overground (Ekso) vs. treadmill-based (Lokomat) robotic gait training, and evaluate changes in seated balance control in people with high-thoracic motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI).

Authors

  • Amanda E Chisholm
    School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. achisholm@icord.org.
  • Raed A Alamro
    School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
  • Alison M M Williams
    School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
  • Tania Lam
    University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. tania.lam@ubc.ca.