Meta-analysis of the effects of lower extremity exoskeleton robot on the improvement of walking ability and…

Systematic reviewFrontiers in neurorobotics· 2026

Meta-analysis of the effects of lower extremity exoskeleton robot on the improvement of walking ability and curative effect in SCI patients.

Peishi Feng, Jinglong Li, Sheng Lu … Yuxiang Mao

Assistive Technology & WearablesSystematic reviewTreatmentQ2IF 3.6

Exoskeleton-assisted rehab associated with longer 6-minute walking distance in spinal cord injury

Meta-analysis of the effects of lower extremity exoskeleton robot on the improvement of walking ability and curative effect in SCI patients.

Peishi Feng … Yuxiang Mao

Frontiers in neurorobotics · 2026

Background

Spinal cord injury (spinal cord injury) leads to significant motor and sensory impairments, reducing independence and quality of life.

Purpose

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation compared with conventional therapy in improving walking ability, motor function, and activities of daily living in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Methods

Ten controlled trials involving 412 participants were included.

n = 412 participants

Results

walking distance rose about 31 m, an endurance gain in six-minute walk testing

MD by subgroup · 95% CI

More results

Improvements were also observed in the ASIA lower-limb motor score (MD 7.28, 95% CI 6.44-8.12; p < 0.001).

Substantial heterogeneity was present in some outcomes.

No serious adverse events related to exoskeleton use were reported across the included studies.

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Conclusion

Exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation is associated with statistically significant improvements in balance, walking performance, motor function, and functional independence in individuals with spinal cord injury compared with conventional therapy.

Meta-analysis of the effects of lower extremity exoskeleton robot on the improvement of walking ability and curative effect in SCI patients.

Meta-analysis of the effects of lower extremity exoskeleton robot on the improvement of walking ability and curative effect in SCI patients.

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