Effect of Epidural stimulation and Resistance Training on Overground Locomotion after Spinal Cord injury

Project Summary

The aims of this study are to:

1) determine the impact of 12 months of Exoskeletal Assisted Walking (EAW) + Epidural Stimulation (ES) + Resistance Training (RT) EAW+ES+RT on 10-meter over ground walking-speed, number of over ground unassisted steps and EMG pattern compared to 12 months of EAW+ delayed-ES +no-RT in persons with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

2) the impact of 12 months of EAW+ES+RT on cardiovascular profile (blood pressure, total and regional body composition profile and oxygen uptake) compared to 12 months of EAW+ delayed-ES +no-RT) in persons with SCI

3) the impact of 12 months of EAW+ES+RT on parameters of bladder filling and emptying as measured by urodynamic studies compared to 12 months of EAW+ delayed-ES +no-RT in persons with SCI