Gait rehabilitation outcomes with EksoNR: an exploratory study comparing progressive vs. non-progressive neurological impairments

Purpose: This study examines the impact of EksoNR robotics exoskeleton training on gait performance in individuals with progressive and non-progressive neurological impairments and compares the gait effectiveness outcomes between these groups over fifteen therapy sessions. Materials and Methods: Sixteen participants (n = 8 progressive; n = 8 non-progressive) were enrolled in a community-based exoskeleton program at Dublin City University. Each completed 15 sessions (approximately once per week). Gait outcomes included (i) exoskeleton assistance level, (ii) walking efficiency (walk time and step count), and (iii) session efficiency (ratios of walk time and step count to up time). Results: The non-progressive group showed a significant reduction in exoskeleton assistance (79.9% to 66.4%), while no significant change was observed in the progressive group. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in walk time (566 s to 1268 s), step count (322 to 703), and session efficiency (step count ratio: 31.1% to 31.6%; walk time ratio: 20.0% to 21.1%). Conclusions: Community-based EksoNR training significantly improves gait performance in both progressive and non-progressive neurological conditions. In non-progressive cases, reducing robotic assistance may enhance recovery, while walking and session efficiency metrics better reflect progress in progressive conditions.