• Markus Wirz, Orpheus Mach, Doris Maier, Jesus Benito-Penalva, Julian Taylor, Ana Esclarin, and Volker Dietz.
• 1 Zurich University of Applied Sciences , Institute of Physiotherapy, Winterthur, Switzerland .
• J. Neurotrauma. 2016 Dec 2.

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether the effect of longer training times (50 instead of 25 min per day) using a robotic device results in a better outcome of walking ability of subjects with a subacute motor complete (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS]-B) and incomplete (AIS-C) spinal cord injury. Twenty-one patients were enrolled in the study, whereof 18 completed, on average, 34 trainings in 8 weeks. Longer training times resulted in better locomotor function. The second important result of the study is that a beneficial effect can be achieved by the application of a robotic device for prolonged training sessions without requiring more personal resources. It has to remain open whether even longer training times (more than 50 min) would result in a still better outcome. In any case, the extent of possible recovery in an individual patient is determined by the level and severity of spinal cord damage.

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