To evaluate the combined effects of robotic exoskeleton and functional electrical stimulation (FES) training on muscle composition during over-ground gait training in persons with acute spinal cord injury (SCI).
Randomized crossover pilot study.
Inpatient-rehabilitation Hospital.
Six individuals with acute SCI.
Participants were randomized to either receive training with the Ekso® Bionics exoskeleton combined with FES in addition to standard-of-care or standard-of-care alone.
The main outcome measures for the study were quantified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), specifically, lower extremity muscle volume and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT). Static balance and fall risk were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale.
Significant improvements were observed in muscle volume in the exoskeleton intervention group when compared to only standard-of-care (
Early intervention with robotic exoskeleton may contribute to improved muscle function measured using MRI in individuals with acute SCI.