Exoskeleton Rehabilitation for Complete Thoracic Spinal Cord Lesion: A Case Study

Rina Xue Li Choo, Jia Ling Oh, Haibin Yu and Boon Chong Kwok ()
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Rina Xue Li Choo: Rehabilitation, Kang Jia Therapy, Singapore 307506, Singapore
Jia Ling Oh: Rehabilitation, Clinical Pilates Family Physiotherapy, Singapore 079906, Singapore
Haibin Yu: Rehabilitation, Kang Jia Therapy, Singapore 307506, Singapore
Boon Chong Kwok: Rehabilitation, Clinical Pilates Family Physiotherapy, Singapore 079906, Singapore

Disabilities, 2025, vol. 5, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: Background : Spinal cord injury is a life-changing condition for individuals who have previously been independent in activities of daily living. Motor recovery prognosis for individuals with complete spinal cord lesion above thoracic level ten is poor after nine months of injury. Although the corticospinal tract is responsible for voluntary mobility functions such as walking, it is possible, through neuroplasticity, that involuntary lower limb movements can be trained. Methods : This case study discusses the use of multi-modal rehabilitation strategies, from weightbearing exercises using traditional manual-controlled exoskeleton to ambulation using advanced automotive exoskeleton. Results : The patient’s perspective showed themes that align with the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning and Disability. In spinal cord injury, majority of concerns are in environmental and personal factors. This could be due to the perceived permanent disability in complete spinal cord lesion. The moderate-intensity two-hour intervention using traditional and advanced exoskeletons during physical rehabilitation showed that it was possible to stimulate deep sensations, and muscle pull and cramp for a patient diagnosed with complete spinal cord lesion. Conclusions : The use of traditional and advanced exoskeletons in weightbearing exercises may benefit patients with complete spinal cord lesions in regaining deep sensations in the lower limbs.

Keywords: robotic-assisted therapy; physical therapy; spinal cord injury; clinical practice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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