Enhancing Balance and Mobility in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury With an Overground Gait Trainer

Background: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and similar pathologies not only negatively affect a person's ability to walk but also have adverse effects on their participation in social, vocational, and recreational activities. The correction of walking impairments resulting from SCI is one of the most important goals of rehabilitation, as it is essential for a person's social and vocational integration. When considering balance function, the use of challenging balance and walking exercises at an adequate level is necessary to trigger motor learning. Ensuring the patient's safety is the primary priority when using advanced balance and walking exercises based on the patient's current condition. In this study, Andago V2.0 (Hocoma AG, Volketswil, Switzerland) has been preferred for ensuring safety by adapting to patient movements. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of Andago on balance in patients with motor incomplete SCI. The secondary aim was to evaluate its influence on quality of life and independence. Methods: The study included five participants who were over 18 years of age and had experienced a spinal injury within the past year. These participants were classified as AIS D (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale). Patients underwent eight-week treatment, with walking and balance exercises on Andago performed three days a week. In addition, conventional in-bed exercises, including stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises, were administered for 40 minutes, two days a week. Modified Borg Scale (MBS), Ten-Meter Walking Test (10MWT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Walking Index in Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for fear of falling, Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III), World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Short Form (WHOQOL - BREF) were used for evaluation.