Impact of Exoskeleton-Assisted Rehabilitation on Gait Training in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Longitudinal Observational Study

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to significant impairments in mobility, functional independence, and quality of life. Exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation has emerged as a promising intervention to enhance gait performance and functional outcomes in SCI patients. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation in improving gait parameters, functional independence, and quality of life over six months in individuals with SCI. Methods: A longitudinal observational study was conducted with 99 SCI patients (63% male, mean age 42.3 ± 10.5 years). Participants underwent exoskeleton-assisted gait training three times per week for six months. Gait parameters (10-Meter Walk Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test), functional independence (SCIM III), and quality of life (SF-36) were assessed at baseline, three months, and six months. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA in SPSS v25, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Significant improvements were observed in gait parameters: 10-Meter Walk Test (baseline: 37.2 ± 8.9 s, six months: 26.8 ± 6.1 s, p < 0.001), 6-Minute Walk Test (baseline: 148.7 ± 22.5 m, six months: 237.6 ± 30.4 m, p < 0.001), and Timed Up and Go Test (baseline: 19.8 ± 5.3 s, six months: 14.0 ± 4.1 s, p < 0.001). SCIM III scores improved from 47.5 ± 12.4 to 63.7 ± 16.8 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation significantly enhanced gait performance, functional independence, and quality of life in SCI patients over six months. These findings highlight its potential as a safe and effective intervention in neurorehabilitation.