Training for a running competition with a wearable robot - a patient's journey

Abstract

Aerobic exercise performed with moderate to vigorous intensity and the use of wearable robots may be effective in addressing physical deconditioning and negative cardiometabolic health consequences in individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). In this paper we demonstrate a case study in which a participant with SCI engaged in a ten-month, non-clinical training program using a wearable robot. Following the training, an 8% increase in the 2-minute walk test distance and increased training motivation was observed. These findings suggest that community-based mobility training with wearable robots may be a feasible and effective training option for individuals with lower-limb impairments.