Powered Exoskeleton Combined With Functional Electrical Stimulation in Clinical Practice

Launched by LAVAL UNIVERSITY · Sep 24, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Powered exoskeleton technology represents a promising rehabilitation intervention for persons with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). The overall aim of the present study is to investigate the implementability of an overground locomotor training program using a powered exoskeleton in persons with a subacute iSCI at the Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, with and without functional electrical stimulation (FES). Over the 2-year period of the project, a logic model will be co-developed with stakeholders to support clinicians and administrators in the management of th...

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • General
• • Measure between 5'1" and 6'3" (1.5 and 1.9m)
• • Weigh less than 200 pounds (90kg)
• • Present a diagnosis of incomplete spinal cord injury
• • Have the ability to maintain a standing position and/or have therapeutic walking ability at Stage 1B or more of the Rick Hansen Institute SCI Standing and Walking Assessment Toolkit
• • Present sufficient upper extremity strength and function to use a walker with wheels
• • Femur length between 37 and 49cm
• • Width of hips when seated \<42 cm
• • Obtain approval from a physician to participate in the project
• • Standing tolerance \>15 minutes
• For FES:
• • Respond favourably to functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the main lower extremity muscle groups: (gluteus, quadriceps, hamstrings, dorsiflexors, etc.) as determined by a physiotherapist.
• • Have no contraindications to FES according to the guidelines of the Canadian physiotherapy association (CPA).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• General:
• • Poor fit of the exoskeleton as determined by the research team
• • Present contraindications to the use of the Indego® exoskeleton as described by the company
• • Present lower extremity skin lesions or sores
• * Any medical condition or co-morbidity that may impair collaboration and participation or making it unsafe to wear the exoskeleton, for example (non-exhaustive list) :
• • Disabling pain.
• • Significant sensory disturbances in the lower limbs that limit safe walking.
• • Cognitive disorders that impair the ability to collaborate.
• • Osteoporosis.
• • Unconsolidated fractures of the lower limbs.
• • Uncontrolled reflex dysautonomia.
• • Severe peripheral vascular disease.
• • Severe heart failure.
• • Severe, active infection
• • FES Exclusion Criteria
• • Pregnancy;
• • Presence of a malignant tumor
• • Deep vein thrombosis
• • Hemorrhagic condition
• • Infection or osteomyelitis
• • Presence of weakened/damaged skin
• • Circulatory disorders
• • Epilepsy
• • Electronic implant