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

Inclusion Criteria:

- Motor Incomplete spinal cord injury, as classified by American Spinal Injury
Association guidelines, above the lumbar level (T12 and above).

- Able to independently stand for two minutes with or without an assistive device and
with or without orthoses distal to the knee.

- Male or non-pregnant woman

- ≥ 18-years of age

- At least 6 months after injury

- Height between 5'2" and 6'2" (150-188 cm)

- Weight ≤ 220 pounds (100 kg)

- Ability to perform informed consent

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