Effectiveness of Over-ground Robotic Locomotor Training in Improving Walking Performance, Cardiovascular Demands, Secondary Complications and User-satisfaction in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of over-ground robotic locomotor training in individuals with spinal cord injuries with regard to walking performance, cardiovascular demands, secondary health complications and user-satisfaction.

Data Sources: PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCOhost and Engineering Village.

Study Selection: Trials in which robotic locomotor training was used for a minimum of 3 participants with spinal cord injury.

Data Extraction: Independent extraction of data by 2 reviewers using a pre-established data abstraction table. Quality of evidence assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Data Synthesis: Total of 27 non-controlled studies representing 308 participants. Most studies showed decreases in exertion ratings, pain and spasticity and reported positive well-being post-intervention. Seven studies were included in meta-analyses on walking performance, showing significant improvements post-intervention (p < 0.05), with pooled effects for the 6-min walking test and 10-metre walking test of-0.94 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) -1.53,-0.36) and -1.22 (95% CI -1.87,-0.57), respectively. The Timed Up and Go Test showed a positive pooled effect of 0.74 (95% CI 0.36, 1.11). Improvements in walking parameters were seen with an increase in session number; however, no significant cardiovascular changes were found over time.

Conclusion: Robotic locomotor training shows promise as a tool for improving neurological rehabilitation; however, there is limited evidence regarding its training benefits. Further high-powered, randomized controlled trials, with homogenous samples, are required to investigate these effects.