Non-Ambulatory SCI Walk Using a Robotic Exoskeleton: Effect on Bone and Muscle

Exoskeleton Training (100 sessions - 1 hour, 4 - 5 sessions per week for 20 weeks) to enhance functional ambulation for persons with a spinal cord injury. To examine the effectiveness of exoskeleton assisted overground walking to induce positive changes in muscle volume and structure of the lower limbs for non-ambulatory persons with SCI.

"Needle Biopsies for Quadricep Muscles will be performed to define changes in BMD and Bone structure with intensive exoskeleton assisted walking. This procedure includes having a trained physician make a small skin incision, after numbing the area over the muscle, and then removing a tiny sliver of muscle to study under the microscope. Three separate biopsies for one incision will be obtained. The biopsies will be performed at baseline, 7 days, and after the intervention.~To define changes in biochemical markers of bone metabolism with intensive exoskeleton-assisted walking."

MRI's will provide accurate assessments of muscle CSA of each lower limb (from above the origin of the iliopsoas to the insertion of the achilles tendon) to determine individual's muscle thigh and shank volume.