Exoskeleton Training on Balance Control and Turning in Ambulation in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 32 individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury to test the effect of exoskeleton-assisted walking training on balance and mobility. The study investigates the ability to turn while walking, which requires coordinated movements of the head, trunk, pelvis, and limbs. If included, participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) exoskeleton training using the EksoNR device; (2) conventional walking training; or (3) standard care without mobility intervention. Training sessions in the intervention groups are delivered twice weekly for 12 weeks. Four participants in the exoskeleton training group will undergo additional measurements of brain hemoglobin concentration using a non-invasive, optical technique (near-infrared spectroscopy [fNIRS]). All participants will be offered EksoNR training after the study concludes. Final testing of balance control and mobility will be performed after 4 months.