title: [Exoskeletons for rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries. Options and limitations].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mobile exoskeletons are increasingly being applied in the course of rehabilitation and provision of medical aids to patients with spinal cord injuries.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article gives a description of the currently available exoskeletal systems and the clinical application including scientific and medical evidence, to derive recommendations regarding clinical practice of the various exoskeletons in the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The different systems represent a useful adjunct to the therapeutic regimen depending on the medical objectives. Posture-controlled exoskeletons in particular enable mobilization of patients with neurological gait disorders via direct motion support. In addition the neurologically controlled exoskeleton HAL® leads to functional improvements in patients with residual muscular functions in the chronic phase of spinal cord injury in terms of improved walking abilities subsequent to training. However, beneficial effects on bone density, bladder function and perfusion are conceivable but not yet adequately supported by evidence. Positive effects on spasticity and neuropathic pain are currently based only on case series or small clinical trials.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although exoskeletons are not yet an established tool in the treatment of spinal cord injuries, the systems will play a more important role in rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries in the future. Neurologically controlled exoskeletons show beneficial effects in the treatment of acute and chronic spinal cord injuries and might therefore evolve to be a useful alternative to conventional locomotion training.
authors: Abteilung für Rückenmarkverletzte, Chirurgische Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik, BG-Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Deutschland, mirko.aach@bergmannsheil.de.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Aach
authors: R C
authors: RC
authors: Meindl
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Geßmann
authors: T A
authors: TA
authors: Schildhauer
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Citak
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Cruciger
mesh_terms: D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005858:Germany; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome