Lokomat® vs RoboGait® Under Different Guidance Force Settings in Motor-Incomplete SCI

In the researchers' words

This study compares two robotic-assisted gait training systems, Lokomat® and RoboGait®, used under different guidance force (GF) settings, in people with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Nineteen adults, aged 18 years or older, with injury at T3 level or below and classified as AIS C or D within two years of injury, participated. They were assigned to one of three groups based on the average GF used during training: Lok90- (GF \< 90% with Lokomat®), Lok90+ (GF ≥ 90% with Lokomat®), and RG (GF ≥ 90% with RoboGait®). All participants completed 10 treadmill-based gait training sessions over 4 weeks, in addition to standard physiotherapy including stretching, strengthening, balance, and walking exercises. Walking ability, mobility, muscle strength, balance, independence in daily activities, and quality of life were assessed before and after the program. The study aimed to see whether the type of robot and GF setting affected recovery. Results showed modest improvements in some outcomes, with changes depending on the group and outcome measured. Findings suggest that adjusting GF settings may help tailor robotic gait training to individual needs.