[Reha-Stepper locomotion therapy in early rehabilitation of paraplegic patients].
Treadmill training with partial body weight support was shown to significantly improve the constitution and gait capacity of incomplete spinal cord injured (SCI) persons. The main requirement for application of this therapy is a sufficient capacity of the cardiovascular system. Most of the SCI patients do not comply with this requirement in the first few weeks after spinal cord injury, where spinal reflexes are frequently missing (spinal shock). To offer SCI patients a locomotion therapy at this early stage of rehabilitation we developed a novel, active tilt-table, the Reha-Stepper, that moves the lower limbs in an almost physiological manner in terms of kinematic and kinetic parameters. The tilt of the device can be continuously increased from horizontal to almost upright position adapted to the status of the patient.
Rupp
R
R
Stiftung Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Heidelberg, Deutschland. Ruediger.Rupp@ok.uni-heidelberg.de
Eberhard
S
S
Schreier
R
R
Colombo
G
G
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012984:Software; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*