Assessment of the Effect of Improved Medial Linkage Reciprocating Orthosis Compared to Isocentric Orthosis on the Motor Function in Spinal Cord Injury Patients.

Background: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) result in profound mobility impairments, particularly the inability to walk. Traditional orthotic devices, while aiding mobility, often lead to high energy expenditure and discomfort. This study aimed to develop a novel orthosis that enhances comfort, improves movement parameters, and reduces energy consumption by incorporating medial linkage joints and reciprocal mechanisms into the existing Medial Linkage Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (MLRGO). The effectiveness of this new device was evaluated against both the Isocentric Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (IRGO) and conventional Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) in a case study with three participants. Methods: This case study involved three patients with thoracic SCI, selected through convenience sampling. The new MLRGO was designed in the initial phase, followed by a comparative analysis involving the new MLRGO, IRGO, and KAFOs. Parameters assessed included average step length, walking speed, cadence, physiological cost index (PCI), static balance, and the time required for donning and doffing the orthoses, using standardized assessment tests. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to compare group means, with a significance level of Results: The new MLRGO significantly enhanced walking speed ( Conclusion: The findings suggest that the new MLRGO facilitates a more natural and efficient walking pattern in patients with SCI compared to the IRGO and KAFOs. However, due to the small sample size, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy as a promising alternative for rehabilitation in individuals with lower limb paralysis.