What is Locomotor Training?

 

As neurorehabilitation is moving away from compensatory approaches and transitioning towards functional restoration, locomotor training is a valuable tool for spinal cord rehabilitation. Locomotor training involves body weight assisted step training and overground assisted walking. Via locomotor training, we aim to improve sensorimotor function and walking ability on top of other beneficial effects of this form of intervention.

 

How can our therapists utilise Locomotor Training to help you achieve your goals?

 

We appreciate the power of mass practice and thus aim to design a program that would challenge you at a physical, physiological and neuronal level. Our therapists are trained with locomotor training and understand the mechanics of gait. Through hands-on facilitation and verbal feedback we aim to optimise your stepping strategy to make it as functional as possible.

 

We can provide step training through body weight assisted elliptical training and overground assisted walk via hands on facilitation.

 

The current evidence around Locomotor Training

 

• There is still conflicting evidence around locomotor training for participants with SCI. However, a lot of these studies involve small sample sizes and inadequate therapy time (less than one hour) (Merhrolz, Kugler & Pohl, 2012; Zbogar et al., 2017). We address the issue with time, our sessions of therapy run for 2 hours.

 

Other studies have reported:

 

• Strong evidence that locomotor training for people with complete or incomplete SCI induces reorganisation of spinal neuronal networks. These reorganisation processes are correlated with improvements in motor function and decreased muscle co-contractions (Smith & Knikou et al. 2016).

• Improvements in limb coordination, limb kinetics, step symmetry, walking speed, endurance, balance, respiratory & cardiovascular function reported by Smith and Knikou in their 2016 review study.

 

For any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.