Background: Spinal cord injury is characterized by the interruption of neural pathways of the spinal cord, with alteration of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. Robotic-assisted gait training offers many possibilities, including the capability to reach a physiological gait pattern.
Methods: A training protocol with UAN.GO®, an active lower limb exoskeleton, was developed. A participant having D10 complete SCI was recruited for this study. The training protocol was composed by 13 sessions, lasting 1.5 h each. The effectiveness of the protocol was evaluated through the mobility performance during the 6 MWT, the level of exertion perceived administrating Borg RPE at the end of each 6 MWT. Furthermore, time and effort required by the participant to earn a higher level of skills were considered.
Results: A significant improvement was registered in the six MWT (t0 = 45.64 m t1 = 84.87 m). Data referring to the mean level of exertion remained stable. The patient successfully achieved a higher level of independence and functional mobility with the exoskeleton.
Discussion: The findings from this preliminary study suggest that UAN.GO can be a valid tool for walking rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients, allowing the achievement of greater mobility performances.
Keywords: rehabilitation; robotic exoskeleton; spinal cord injury; walking.