Robotic mechanotherapy in staged rehabilitation of patients with consequences of spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective. To analyze the outcomes of early rehabilitation of patients with consequences of spinal cord injury using robotic technology. Material and Methods. A total of 122 patients with consequences of spinal cord injury having movement disorders were examined and treated in the rehabilitation department of the Novosibirsk RITO. Group 1 included 59 patients treated with the standard version of re- habilitation program, while the program used in Group 2 (63 patients) involved longer and more careful preparation for sessions on the Lokomat machine and consisted of three stages of treatment – prehospital, preliminary and main ones. Results. The course of rehabilitation therapy had positive effect on the dynamics of neurological symptoms. Indicators of positive dynamics were statistically significantly higher in patients of Group 2. Data of electrophysiological study also showed that the optimized treatment program was more effective in restoring lost functions of the spinal cord. Optimization of rehabilitation and preconditioning of patients to loads decreased frequency of adverse reactions (orthostatic and fever responses, increase in pyramidal muscle tone in lower extremities) in comparison with the standard approach. Conclusion. Optimized course of rehabilitation therapy positively affected the dynamics of neurological symptoms.

Keywords

• spinal cord injury
• robotic mechanotherapy
• orthostatic response
• fever response
• pyramidal muscle tone