title: Effect of locomotor training on motor recovery and walking ability in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury: a case series.
abstract: [Purpose] The aim of this study was to describe the effect of locomotor training on a treadmill for three individuals who have an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). [Subjects and Methods] Three indivduals (2 males, 1 female) with incomplete paraplegia participated in this prospective case series. All subjects participated in locomotor training for a maximum of 20 minutes on a motorized treadmill without elevation at a comfortable walking speed three days a week for four weeks as an adjunct to a conventional physiotherapy program. The lower extremity strength and walking capabilities were used as the outcome measures of this study. Lower extremity strength was measured by lower extremity motor score (LEMS). Walking capability was assessed using the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II). [Results] An increase in lower extremity motor score and walking capabilities at the end of training program was found. [Conclusion] Gait training on a treadmill can enhance motor recovery and walking capabilities in subjects with incomplete SCI. Further research is needed to generalize these findings and to identify which patients might benefit from locomotor training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, KSA ; Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth India.
authors.forename: Shahnawaz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Anwer
authors.affiliation: National Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapped (NIOH), India.
authors.forename: Ameed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Equebal
authors.affiliation: Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth India.
authors.forename: Tushar J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Palekar
authors.affiliation: National Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapped (NIOH), India.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nezamuddin
authors.affiliation: National Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapped (NIOH), India.
authors.forename: Osama
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Neyaz
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, KSA.
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alghadir
keywords: Locomotor training; Paraplegia; Spinal cord injury