Enhancing balance and mobility in incomplete spinal cord injury with an overground gait trainer

Study design

Prospective intervention study.

Objectives

The study aimed to assess the effect of Andago on balance, overground walking speed, independence levels, fear of falling, and quality of life in patients with acute motor incomplete Spinal Cord Injury.

Setting

The study was conducted in Ankara/Türkiye.

Methods

Five participants, classified as AIS D, underwent an eight-week treatment regimen, including three days a week of Andago-assisted walking and balance exercises, supplemented by two days a week of 40-minute sessions of conventional in-bed exercises.

Results

Berg Balance Scale scores increased significantly by 129% (p = 0.043). Overground walking speed calculated from 10MWT improved by 33% (p = 0.042). WISCI II levels improved significantly compared to baseline scores (p = 0.041). In the mobility subscale of SCIM III, the total SCIM III scores increased significantly (p = 0.042, p = 0.043, respectively). However, there was no significant improvement in WHOQOL-BREF scores (p = 0.080).

Conclusions

The use of Andago facilitated functional progress in patients with acute incomplete SCI, emphasizing the importance of challenging balance and walking activities in triggering motor learning.