ArticlesCombined use of body weight support, functional electric stimulation, and treadmill training to improve walking ability in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury☆,☆☆,★,★★,♢
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Subjects
Nineteen individuals (13 men, 6 women; mean age, 31.7 ± 9.4yr) participated in this study. Thirteen subjects presented with tetraplegia, 6 with paraplegia. All subjects had ASIA class C injuries (sensory and motor function are preserved below the level of the lesion, but at least half of the muscles below the level of the lesion have a grade < 3). Median time postinjury was 56 months (range, 12-171mo). All subjects signed an informed consent consistent with University of Miami regulations for
Walking parameters
Individual subject data for OGWS (tested pre-, posttraining) and TWS and treadmill distance per session are given in figure 1.The OGWS reflects the speed the subjects
Conclusions
Subjects with incomplete SCI, who retain some capacity for ambulation, would likely benefit from a walking program that combines BWS, FES, and treadmill training. Although the amount of improvement in walking speed (as measured by increased OGWS) varies with individual participant characteristics, this training clearly has positive effects on function. Use of FES for assistance with limb advancement offers advantages over other forms of assistance. This training regimen employs the principles
Acknowledgements
The author thanks Blair Calancie, PhD, for input during design of this study and for review of the manuscript. Thanks also to Carol Vandenakker, MD, for providing medical clearance for the subjec's participation, and to Monica Perez, PT, for her assistance with training the subjects.
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Cited by (0)
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Supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (grant no. HD01193-03) and by the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.
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No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the author(s) or upon any organization with which the author(s) is/are associated.
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Reprint requests to Edelle C. Field-Fote, PhD, PT, c/o University of Miami, Division of Physical Therapy, 5915 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Ste 500, Coral Gables, FL 33146, e-mail: [email protected].
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