Device-Training for Individuals with Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury Using a Powered Exoskeleton for Technically Assisted Mobility: Achievements and User Satisfaction.
Objective. Results of a device-training for nonambulatory individuals with thoracic and lumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) using a powered exoskeleton for technically assisted mobility with regard to the achieved level of control of the system after training, user satisfaction, and effects on quality of life (QoL). Methods. Observational single centre study with a 4-week to 5-week intensive inpatient device-training using a powered exoskeleton (ReWalk™). Results. All 7 individuals with SCI who commenced the device-training completed the course of training and achieved basic competences to use the system, that is, the ability to stand up, sit down, keep balance while standing, and walk indoors, at least with a close contact guard. User satisfaction with the system and device-training was documented for several aspects. The quality of life evaluation (SF-12v2™) indicated that the use of the powered exoskeleton can have positive effects on the perception of individuals with SCI regarding what they can achieve physically. Few adverse events were observed: minor skin lesions and irritations were observed; no falls occurred. Conclusions. The device-training for individuals with thoracic and lumbar SCI was effective and safe. All trained individuals achieved technically assisted mobility with the exoskeleton while still needing a close contact guard.
BDH-Klinik Greifswald, Neurorehabilitation Centre and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Unit, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Karl-Liebknecht-Ring 26A, 17491 Greifswald, Germany.
Thomas
0000-0003-2629-9744
T
Platz
BDH-Klinik Greifswald, Neurorehabilitation Centre and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Unit, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Karl-Liebknecht-Ring 26A, 17491 Greifswald, Germany.
Annett
A
Gillner
BDH-Klinik Greifswald, Neurorehabilitation Centre and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Unit, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Karl-Liebknecht-Ring 26A, 17491 Greifswald, Germany.
Nicole
N
Borgwaldt
BDH-Klinik Greifswald, Neurorehabilitation Centre and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Unit, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Karl-Liebknecht-Ring 26A, 17491 Greifswald, Germany.
Sylvia
S
Kroll
BDH-Klinik Greifswald, Neurorehabilitation Centre and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Unit, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Karl-Liebknecht-Ring 26A, 17491 Greifswald, Germany.
Sybille
S
Roschka
D000328:Adult; D051341:Dependent Ambulation; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D000067190:Exoskeleton Device; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae