Exoskeleton gait training to improve lower urinary tract function in people with motor-complete spinal cord injury: A randomized pilot trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the feasibility of exoskeleton-assisted walking interventions for improving lower urinary tract function in individuals with motor-complete spinal cord injury and compare two exoskeleton programs.
Results Summary
The study found that exoskeleton walking (Ekso) elicited pelvic floor muscle activity, but no clear changes in lower urinary tract function were observed in either group. Recruitment was low, with one adverse event reported.
Population
Adults with motor-complete spinal cord injury at or above T10.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
exoskeleton-assisted walking intervention | neutral | lower urinary tract function | people with motor-complete spinal cord injury | - | determine the feasibility of delivering | #1 |
exoskeleton walking | increase | pelvic floor muscles | people with motor-complete spinal cord injury | - | activates | #2 |
Ekso training | increase | Pelvic floor muscle activity | people with motor-complete spinal cord injury | - | greater | #3 |
exoskeleton training programme | no change | Lower urinary tract function | people with motor-complete spinal cord injury | - | did not clearly change | #4 |
Ekso-walking | increase | pelvic floor muscle activity | people with motor-complete spinal cord injury | - | elicits | #5 |
OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of delivering an exoskeleton-assisted walking intervention targeting lower urinary tract function in people with motor-complete spinal cord injury. Secondary aims were to determine if exoskeleton walking activates the pelvic floor muscles, and compare 2 exoskeleton programmes regarding lower urinary tract function. DESIGN: Randomized pilot trial. SUBJECTS: Adults with motor-complete spinal cord injury at or above T10. METHODS: Participants were randomized to receive Ekso or Lokomat training. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment rate, adherence, and adverse events. Pelvic floor muscle electromyography was recorded during walking. Urodynamic studies, 3-day bladder diary, and Qualiveen-30 were administered pre- and post-training. RESULTS: Twelve people were screened and 6 people enrolled in the study. Two subjects withdrew from unrelated reasons. There was one adverse event. Pelvic floor muscle activity was greater in the Ekso group. Lower urinary tract function did not clearly change in either group. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of delivering an exoskeleton training programme targeting lower urinary tract function. Ekso-walking elicits pelvic floor muscle activity, but it remains unclear how locomotor training impacts lower urinary tract function.