RESTORATION OF FUNCTIONAL GAIT IN PARAPLEGIC PATIENTS WITH THE RGO-IIHYBRID ORTHOSIS - A MULTICENTER CONTROLLED-STUDY .2. PHYSIOLOGICAL EVALUATION

We have investigated physiological changes in 21 patients with a spina l cord injury who were fitted with the RGO-II hybrid orthosis. All par ameters were measured before and after a training programme in order t o evaluate the benefit of gait rehabilitation, cardiovascular adaptati on, constipation, spasticity and osteoporosis. A tendency for the impr ovement in cardiovascular function was noticed, and a segmental decrea se in right colonic transit time was observed. However there was no re producible change in spasticity, and no gain in bone mineral density. These data suggest that the physiological benefits which occur when pa tients walk with the aid of a hybrid orthosis only correct the effects of immobility. In addition, we did not find any physiological improve ment regarding the neurological lesion (spasticity or osteoporosis).