New Apparatus Enables Paraplegics to Walk

A study has shown that a new device incorporating leg and body bracing with electrical stimulation of muscles is enabling some wheelchair patients to stand, walk, and go shopping. Among the 250 participating patients, the success rate was 78%. The study was conducted by researchers at Louisiana State University (LSU, New Orleans, USA) and presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons' Orthopedic Update.

Called the reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) II, the apparatus utilizes a walker, two cables, and two molded plastic ankle-foot-knee orthoses attached to a metal pelvic control band and upright back supports. The electrical stimulation unit, attached to the walker, sends jolts of electricity to the patients' thigh muscles, enabling them to execute the swing phase and contralateral push-off phases of locomotion.

The study results showed that the RGO II improves patients' blood circulation, bone density, cholesterol levels, and bladder and bowel function. Also, back and muscle pain are reduced and appetite is improved, as are posture, energy, and endurance. Because of improved circulation, pressure sores heal.

The study involved 250 paraplegics ranging in age from 16-55. Before being fitted with the device, the subjects in the study underwent three to four weeks of upper body strength and endurance training, followed by six weeks of muscle stimulation therapy to increase strength, restore aerobic capacity, and reverse muscle atrophy. After training, 94% of patients could independently put on and remove the equipment, and 78% could stand up from a seated position without assistance.

"These results show the RGO II could benefit spinal cord injury patients who have lost total use of their legs,” said Professor Moshe Solomonow, Ph.D., study co-author and director, LSU Bioengineering Laboratory. According to Dr. Solomonow, someday small electrical stimulation units could be surgically implanted near key muscle groups in the patients' legs so they could use the apparatus more effectively.



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