Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for study participation
Inclusion criteria | Exclusion criteria |
|---|---|
a) 18 to 80 years of age b) Medically stable with medical clearance from a physician to participate c) Neurologic level of the SCI between C1-T10 with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) C or D d) > 6 months since initial injury e) Passive range of motion of the legs within functional limits and not restricting the ability to engage in locomotor training f) Able to ambulate 10 m without physical assistance or while using assistive devices such as single cane or rolling walker | a) Excessive spasticity in the lower limbs as measured by a score of > 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale b) Inability to tolerate 30 min of standing c) Severe cardiovascular and pulmonary disease d) History of recurrent fractures or known orthopedic problems in the lower extremities (i.e., heterotopic ossification) e) Concomitant central or peripheral neurological injury (i.e., traumatic head injury or peripheral nerve damage in lower limbs) f) Inability to provide informed consent due to cognitive impairments g) Presence of unhealed decubiti or other skin compromise h) Enrollment in concurrent physical therapy or research involving locomotor training i) Use of braces/orthotics crossing the knee joint j) Known pregnancy |