The impact of robot-assisted training on gait, balance, and endurance in patients with partial spinal cord injuries: insights from rehabilitation.
Magdalena Prończuk, Dariusz Skalski, Kinga Łosinska and 4 others
PMID 41937149WHAT IT FOUND
Twice-weekly robot-assisted gait training improved walking speed, endurance, and balance more than once-weekly training or conventional therapy in active patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
Those with greater residual movement (AIS D) showed the largest gains.
Key findings
01Participants receiving twice-weekly Lokomat training showed significantly greater improvements in gait speed, endurance, and balance compared to those receiving once-weekly training or conventional therapy.
02Improvements in the high-frequency group exceeded minimal clinically important difference thresholds for walking speed, endurance, and balance.
03Patients with more preserved motor function (AIS D) demonstrated the greatest functional gains, while those with less motor function (AIS B) showed minimal improvement.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study only included patients with a history of regular pre-injury physical activity, so results may not apply to sedentary individuals or those with severe deconditioning. The sample size was relatively small, limiting generalizability. The 12-week duration may not capture long-term sustainability of gains. The study did not compare higher-intensity protocols (e.g., 3–5 sessions per week). Subgroup analyses by AIS classification were exploratory and not powered for definitive conclusions.
Declared interests
The paper does not report specific funding sources or author conflicts of interest in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these benefits apply to all spinal cord injury patients. The study excluded sedentary individuals and those with very low baseline activity, and the largest gains were seen in patients with more preserved motor function (AIS D). Patients with severe motor deficits (AIS B) showed minimal improvement.
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