Effect of Antigravity Treadmill Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Lower Limb Function in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Effect of Antigravity Treadmill Locomotor Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Lower Limb Function in Patients With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

This study aims to investigate the effect of locomotor training using an antigravity treadmill on cardiorespiratory fitness and lower limb function in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury.

Sixty patients with incomplete spinal cord injury will be randomly assigned into two equal groups: the experimental group and the control group. Participants will be adults diagnosed with incomplete spinal cord injury classified as ASIA C or D. The experimental group will receive locomotor training using an antigravity treadmill in addition to conventional physiotherapy rehabilitation for 12 weeks. The control group will receive conventional physiotherapy rehabilitation only. The antigravity treadmill training program will be performed three sessions per week. Training intensity and body-weight support will be progressively adjusted according to patient tolerance and functional improvement.

Cardiorespiratory fitness will be evaluated using cardiopulmonary exercise testing and functional endurance assessments. Lower limb function will be assessed using gait and balance outcome measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

Incomplete spinal cord injury (ASIA C or D)

• Injury duration more than 3 months
• Ability to stand with or without assistance
• Medically stable condition

Exclusion Criteria:

• Complete spinal cord injury

  • Severe cardiopulmonary disorders
  • Severe osteoporosis or fractures
  • Severe cognitive impairment
  • Other neurological disorders affecting gait