Training Persons with Spinal Cord Injury to Ambulate Using a Powered Exoskeleton.

ABSTRACT: Powered exoskeletons have become available for overground ambulation in persons with paralyses due to spinal cord injury (SCI) who have intact upper extremity function and are able to maintain upright balance using forearm crutches. To ambulate in an exoskeleton, the user must acquire the ability to maintain balance while standing, sitting and appropriate weight shifting with each step. This can be a challenging task for those with deficits in sensation and proprioception in their lower extremities. This manuscript describes screening criteria and a training program developed at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY to teach users the skills needed to utilize these devices in institutional, home or community environments. Before training can begin, potential users are screened f

SUBMITTER: Asselin PK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4927801 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature