Gutter Crutches: An Unconventional Walking Aid for Incomplete Tetraplegics – A Case Report

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 76-79
Author(s):  
T Senthilvelkumar ◽  
Raji Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Safety And Stability ◽  
Walking Aid

Abstract The goal of the therapists and patient while selecting an ambulatory aid is to maximise walking ability, manoeuverability and independence, while maintaining safety and stability. Unlike elbow crutches or walker, gutter crutches are not a familiar and well established walking aid in the rehabilitation of persons with incomplete spinal cord injury. In this case report we highlight enhanced ambulation achieved by a 53-year-old man with chronic, incomplete tetraplegia with the use of gutter crutches.

Using a saddle-assistive device equipped with mechanical orthosis for walking of the person with incomplete spinal cord injury

2021 ◽  
pp. 095441192110201
Author(s):  
Akbar Hojjati Najafabadi ◽  
Saeid Amini ◽  
Farzam Farahmand
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Combined Application ◽  
Cord Injury

The majority of the people with incomplete spinal cord injury lose their walking ability, due to the weakness of their muscle motors in providing torque. As a result, developing assistive devices to improve their conditionis of great importance. In this study, a combined application of the saddle-assistive device (S-AD) and mechanical medial linkage or thosis was evaluated to improve the walking ability in patients with spinal cord injury in the gait laboratory. This mobile assistive device is called the saddle-assistive device equipped with medial linkage or thosis (S-ADEM). In this device, a mechanical orthosis was used in a wheeled walker as previously done in the literature. Initially, for evaluation of the proposed assistive device, the experimental results related to the forces and torques exerted on the feet and upper limbs of a person with the incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) during walking usingthe standard walker were compared with an those obtained from using the S-ADEM on an able-bodied subject. It was found that using this combination of assistive devices decreases the vertical force and torque on the foot at the time of walking by 53% and 48%, respectively compared to a standard walker. Moreover, the hand-reaction force on the upper limb was negligible instanding and walking positions usingthe introduced device. The findings of this study revealed that the walking ability of the patients with incomplete SCI was improved using the proposed device, which is due to the bodyweight support and the motion technology used in it.

scholarly journals Robotic-Assisted, Body-Weight–Supported Treadmill Training in Individuals Following Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
T George Hornby ◽  
David H Zemon ◽  
Donielle Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Treadmill Training ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Robotic Assisted ◽  
Cord Injury

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Performance of therapist-assisted, body-weight–supported treadmill training (BWSTT) to enhance walking ability of people with neurological injury is an area of intense research. Its application in the clinical setting, however, is limited by the personnel and labor requirements placed on physical therapists. Recent development of motorized (“robotic”) rehabilitative devices that provide assistance during stepping may improve delivery of BWSTT. Case Description. This case report describes the use of a robotic device to enhance motor recovery and ambulation in 3 people following motor incomplete spinal cord injury. Interventions. Changes in motor impairment, functional limitations, and locomotor disability were monitored weekly during robotic-assisted BWSTT and following transition to therapist-assisted BWSTT with the assistance of one therapist. Outcomes. Following this training, 2 patients recovered independent over-ground walking and another improved his gait speed and endurance. Discussion. The use of robotic devices may assist physical therapists by providing task-specific practice of stepping in people following neurological injury.

Outcomes following an adaptive rock climbing program in a person with an incomplete spinal cord injury: A case report

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (12) ◽  
pp. 1466-1475
Author(s):  
Brittany DelGrande ◽  
Carrin LaCoppola ◽  
Gabriele Moriello ◽  
Kerrianne Sanicola
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Rock Climbing ◽  
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Cord Injury
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