Post-Doc Competition (Knowledge Generation) ID 1985177

Heart Disease is the leading cause of death after spinal cord injury (SCI). Individuals with paraplegia develop hypertension and elevated arterial stiffness prior to their age matched peers. Overground exoskeleton training is becoming an increasingly prevalent form of exercise. In the general population, exercise training has been shown to reduce arterial stiffness. Recent RCT failed to show changes in arterial stiffness with arm ergometry or body weight supported treadmill training. The aim of this project is to determine the effect of Exoskeleton Exercise on changing arterial stiffness. The study setting will take place at a rehabilitation facility. The study will involve 34 sessions over the span of approximately 18-20 weeks. The key intervention utilized in the investigation will be an Overground EksoNR gait and balance training program. The primary outcome measure will be carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and secondary measures will include heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), waist circumference (WC), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Statistical Analysis will involve mean changes at baseline, midway, and end of study. The 34-session (2x/week for ∼18 weeks) rehabilitation protocol will focus on using the EksoNR for overground gait and balance activities. For measurement of cfPWV, two transcutaneous Doppler flowmeters will be used at the common carotid and femoral artery. To calculate cfPWV, the distance travelled by the pulse is divided by the average pulse transit time (PTT). The 18-week Exoskeleton Program would improve arterial stiffness (cfPWV) in individuals with chronic incomplete SCI/D.