Total time for don and doff was 6:50 ± 2:50 min.
Improvements in level of assistance and gait parameters (time, steps, distance and speed, p < 0.05) were observed in all participants.
Walking function and RPE improved in participants able to complete walking tests with (n = 9) and without (n = 6) the device at study start (p < 0.05).
A positive psychosocial impact of the exoskeleton was reported and the satisfaction with the device was good, with best ratings in safety (participants), weight (therapists), durability and dimensions (both).
Our study protocol allowed for consistent comparison of the results with other exoskeleton trials and can serve as a future framework towards the standardisation of early clinical evaluations.
Total time for don and doff was 6:50 ± 2:50 min.
Improvements in level of assistance and gait parameters (time, steps, distance and speed, p < 0.05) were observed in all participants.
Walking function and RPE improved in participants able to complete walking tests with (n = 9) and without (n = 6) the device at study start (p < 0.05).
A positive psychosocial impact of the exoskeleton was reported and the satisfaction with the device was good, with best ratings in safety (participants), weight (therapists), durability and dimensions (both).
Our study protocol allowed for consistent comparison of the results with other exoskeleton trials and can serve as a future framework towards the standardisation of early clinical evaluations.
However, participants did not exhibit significantly better results in walking performance for the standard clinical tests (Timed Up and Go, 10-m Walk Test, and 6-min Walk Test), nor significant reductions in energy consumption.
Participants walked with a more physiological gait pattern (less compensatory movements, better weight shifting, and longer step length) using the ABLE Exoskeleton compared to using the KAFOs.
However, the improvements in gait kinematics did not extend to significant improvements in energy efficiency.
Probably the low contribution of the knee joint on the metabolic cost of walking, together with the lack of trunk stability in the sagittal plane, were not enough to reduce the effort that ambulation entails in people with complete SCI.
Active assistance of the hip or ankle joints seems to be necessary for that purpose.
Those insights served our team to develop the next version of the ABLE Exoskeleton, which includes hip assistance and additional trunk support.
In terms of user satisfaction, the ABLE Exoskeleton was considered significantly safer and presented on average higher scores than the KAFOs.
However, participants did not exhibit significantly better results in walking performance for the standard clinical tests (Timed Up and Go, 10-m Walk Test, and 6-min Walk Test), nor significant reductions in energy consumption.
Participants walked with a more physiological gait pattern (less compensatory movements, better weight shifting, and longer step length) using the ABLE Exoskeleton compared to using the KAFOs.
However, the improvements in gait kinematics did not extend to significant improvements in energy efficiency.
Probably the low contribution of the knee joint on the metabolic cost of walking, together with the lack of trunk stability in the sagittal plane, were not enough to reduce the effort that ambulation entails in people with complete SCI.
Active assistance of the hip or ankle joints seems to be necessary for that purpose.
Those insights served our team to develop the next version of the ABLE Exoskeleton, which includes hip assistance and additional trunk support.
In terms of user satisfaction, the ABLE Exoskeleton was considered significantly safer and presented on average higher scores than the KAFOs.
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