Lamberti Gianfranco, Sesenna Gianluca, Paja Qamil, Ciardi Gianluca
Spinal Unit, Azienda USL, 29121 Piacenza, Italy.
Degree Course of Physiotherapy, Piacenza Training Center, University of Parma, 29017 Fiorenzuola d'Arda, Italy.
Neurol Int. 2022 Jun 16;14(2):536-546. doi: 10.3390/neurolint14020043.
Spinal cord injury is characterized by the interruption of neural pathways of the spinal cord, with alteration of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. Robotic-assisted gait training offers many possibilities, including the capability to reach a physiological gait pattern.
A training protocol with UAN.GO, an active lower limb exoskeleton, was developed. A participant having D10 complete SCI was recruited for this study. The training protocol was composed by 13 sessions, lasting 1.5 h each. The effectiveness of the protocol was evaluated through the mobility performance during the 6 MWT, the level of exertion perceived administrating Borg RPE at the end of each 6 MWT. Furthermore, time and effort required by the participant to earn a higher level of skills were considered.
A significant improvement was registered in the six MWT (t = 45.64 m t = 84.87 m). Data referring to the mean level of exertion remained stable. The patient successfully achieved a higher level of independence and functional mobility with the exoskeleton.
The findings from this preliminary study suggest that UAN.GO can be a valid tool for walking rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients, allowing the achievement of greater mobility performances.
脊髓损伤的特征是脊髓神经通路中断，伴有感觉、运动和自主神经功能改变。机器人辅助步态训练提供了许多可能性，包括实现生理步态模式的能力。
制定了使用主动式下肢外骨骼UAN.GO的训练方案。招募了一名患有D10完全性脊髓损伤的参与者进行本研究。训练方案由13节课程组成，每节持续1.5小时。通过6分钟步行试验（6 MWT）期间的移动性能、每次6 MWT结束时使用Borg主观用力程度分级（RPE）评估的用力程度水平来评估该方案的有效性。此外，还考虑了参与者获得更高技能水平所需的时间和精力。
6 MWT有显著改善（t = 45.64米，t = 84.87米）。关于平均用力程度的数据保持稳定。患者使用外骨骼成功实现了更高水平的独立性和功能移动性。
这项初步研究的结果表明，UAN.GO可以成为脊髓损伤患者步行康复的有效工具，有助于实现更好的移动性能。
