Improving Gait Performance in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: an Intervention Using Robotic Exoskeletons

Exclusion Criteria

• •Presence of clinical signs of lower motor neuron injury
• •History of severe neurologic injuries other than SCI (MS, CP, ALS, TBI, CVA, etc.)
• •Severe comorbidities: active infections, heart, lung, or circulatory conditions, pressure ulcers.
• •Documented severe osteoporosis affecting the hip and spine
• •Severe spasticity in the lower extremities (Modified Ashworth ≥ 3) or uncontrolled clonus
• •Unstable spine
• •Unhealed limb or pelvic fractures
• •Skin issues that would prevent wearing the device
• •Range of motion restrictions that would prevent subject from achieving a normal, reciprocal gait pattern, or would restrict a subject from completing normal sit to stand or stand to sit transitions.
• •Upper extremity strength deficits that limit ability to balance with a front rolling walker or crutches.
• •Heterotopic ossification that resists functional range of motion in lower extremities
• •Contractures (\>15 degrees at the hips or \>20 degrees at the knees)
• •Psychiatric or cognitive comorbidities resulting in motor planning or impulsivity concerns
• •Colostomy
• •Have received any physical therapy intervention within 3 months prior to enrolment in the study
• •Non-English speaking