The effects of gait training with a gait orthosis on the neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of gait training with an alternative gait orthosis (AGO) on the neurogenic bladders of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Method Twelve patients with complete SCI at the thoracic and lumbar level were trained for 8 weeks on motor and bladder function. After that, specific gait training with an AGO was given for another 8 weeks. American Spinal Injury Association ( ASIA ) sensation and motor function assessments were done before and after the gait training with the AGO, and bladder capacity, residual urine and urine flow rates were also assessed. Results Compared with pre-treatment there was no significant difference in average ASIA senzsation and motor scores after training, but the maximum rate of urine flow, average urine volume and single urination had significantly increased and residual urine volume had significantly decreased. Conclusions Therapeutic gait training with an AGO can improve bladder function after SCI. Key words: Neurogenic bladder; Spinal cord injury; Gait training; Orthoses