Lokomat Versus Strength Training in Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Effects of Automated Treadmill Training and Lower Extremity Strength Training on Walking-related and Other Outcomes in Subjects With Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate whether gait specific robotic supported bodyweight supported treadmill training and lower extremity strength training have similar beneficial effects on walking function and other outcomes.

Although task-specific training has been promoted during the last years to improve function, recent studies showed that after an incomplete spinal cord injury, strength, but not complex movement coordination, is affected. In this randomized cross-over trial we investigate the effectiveness of a task-specific 4 week Lokomat training with a 4 week (unspecific) lower extremity muscle strength training on walking-related and other outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Time since lesion > 1 year
• Outdoor mobility SCIM III < 5
• Stable walking capacity

Exclusion Criteria:

• participating on other training studies
• osteoporosis
• psychiatric diseases
• epilepsia
• body weight > 130 kg
• cardiac pacemaker