Stepping in motor complete spinal cord injured patient with extensor spasticity following intensive gait rehabilitation- case report

Abstract

Introduction: We report the case of a chronic motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI) subject who regained stepping in parallel bars after intensive gait rehabilitation treatment. Methods:A 32 year old male patient with chronic sensory incomplete SCI (T6, AISA B) with extensor spasticity of both legs, performed over 3 months a locomotor training program 2 years after his initial injury. The training included the use of a robotic system combined with bilateral functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the peroneal nerve for 2 months followed by another month of training on parallel bars with FES. Results:After the three months of training, the patient was able to walk using parallel bars for 2 minutes without FES, orthosis or third person assistance. Conclusion:A young patient following a complete motor SCI with some preservation of sensory pathways and with extensor spasticity could perform steps following intensive gait rehabilitation.