Comparison of Lokomat and Aquatic Exercise for Individuals With Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Many people with spinal cord injury (SCI) hold some ability to move their leg muscles, and are therefore considered to demonstrate a motor incomplete injury. After such a spinal cord injury, individuals are able to walk less both in their home and in their community. De-conditioning, or a lack of endurance and fitness also occurs. Several methods are available to try to improve walking ability and the fitness of persons with motor incomplete spinal cord injury. This study examines two of these methods. The first is the use of robotically assisted body-weight supported walking using a device called the Lokomat. The second is aquatic or pool-based exercise. The investigators are researching the impact of these two techniques on walking ability and fitness in people who experienced motor incomplete spinal cord injury for at least 12 months.