Symposium

Technology (e.g. robotics, assistive technology, mHealth)

Brain Injury

Clinical Practice (assessment, diagnosis, treatment, knowledge translation/EBP, implementation science, program development)

Spinal Cord Injury

Elevating Current Practice with Exoskeletons: Overground Robotic Gait Training During Inpatient Rehabilitation

Friday, November 11, 2022

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Presenter(s)

Jaime Gillespie, DPT

Research Physical Therapist
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, Texas, United States

Slides
Molly Kate Trammell, MPT

Physical Therapy Supervisor
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation
Dallas, Texas, United States
Chad Swank, PT, PhD

Research Investigator
Baylor Scott & White Research Institute
Dallas, Texas, United States
Dannae Arnold, DPT, ATP

Research Physical Therapist
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation
Dallas, Texas, United States

With technology, use of overground exoskeleton gait training (OEGT) is becoming prevalent during inpatient rehabilitation for walking after stroke, SCI, or TBI. Yet, there remain no guidelines, causing OEGT use variability. Data suggests a ‘one size fits all’ approach to OEGT is not effective; this presentation will describe lessons learned and decision-making of the clinicians. In 2016 we integrated OEGT by first examining the feasibility and conducting a focus group with therapists to discuss experiences, decision making, and safety. We then reviewed medical records for patients who completed at least one session. Functional measures and session details were tracked. OEGT was found to be challenging, but safe and feasible. Patients progressed functionally, improved walking metrics, and reduced dependency on the device. OEGT may be a useful tool for walking interventions under a skilled clinician. Linking outcomes to the clinical decision-making process in delivering OEGT is a critical next step.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the process of successfully incorporating OEGT into the physical therapy plan of care for patients after neurological injury during inpatient rehabilitation.
Understand the clinical and functional outcomes associated with OEGT use within the physical therapy plan of care for patients after stroke, SCI, or TBI during inpatient rehabilitation.
Discuss clinical decision making on the initiation, delivery, progression and termination of OEGT during inpatient rehabilitation.