Randomized Controlled Trial on Robotic Exoskeleton in Spinal Cord Injury: Clinical Outcomes and Cortical Plasticity

About this trial

This trial is enrolling individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injuries to test the effect of gait (walking) training with a robotic exoskeleton. Walking training with the exoskeleton (EKSO-GT) will be accompanied by standard locomotor rehabilitation (treadmill stepping). In addition to potential improvements in walking, the trial will use techniques including MRI imaging and EEG signaling during sleep to measure changes in the brain as a result of the training. Researchers want to know if exoskeleton training causes the brain or spinal cord to initiate an adaptive or remodeling response. There are two groups in the study. If selected for the trial, participants will either receive 1) standard locomotor training 2.5 hours per day, 5 days per week over 8 weeks; or 2) the same amount of locomotor training plus 30-40 minute sessions of exoskeleton training, 3 times per week during the first 4 weeks.