Effect of Robotic Assisted Gait Training on functional and psychological improvement in patients with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Amira A Shahin*, Sherif A Shawky, Hanaa M Rady, Dina A Effat, Sherry K Abdelrahman, Essam Mohamed and Reda Awad

Background: Several studies provide evidence that Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) promotes motor recovery and functional improvement in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Context and purpose of the study: The present study was conducted to assess the effect of RAGT on functional and psychological improvement in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury as compared to conventional methods. Forty patients with incomplete spinal cord injury were recruited to this study. They all received conventional rehabilitation program. Twenty patients received RAGT in addition. Baseline measurements of outcome variables were taken before and at week 12 after treatment. Posture control and balance were assessed by Berg Balance Scale [BBS].Functional ambulation was assessed by Functional ambulation category scale [FAC]. Depression was assessed by the Beck depression inventory [BDI]. World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) was used.

Results: The BBS was significantly improved in both groups, while FAC improved significantly in RAGT group and non-significantly in conventional group. WHOQOL-BREF improved significantly in RAGT group only. The results of BDI and HOQOL-BREF showed a significant difference between both groups in week 12.

Conclusion: RAGT can lead to better improvement in ambulatory function as well as psychological condition and quality of life compared to conventional treatment in incomplete SCI patients.

Keywords:

Published on: Aug 23, 2017 Pages: 83-86

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-5487.000053
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