The purpose of this study is to investigate how standing and sitting balance control is altered after spinal cord injury (SCI) and how a new type of robotic assistive device may be used to improve muscle function. This device is called the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device, or TPAD. The main aims are to: 1\. Examine muscle activation patterns generated during different types of standing in spinal cord injured individuals using robotic assistance or self-assistance for balance 2 and 3. Examine the effectiveness of robotic-assisted stand training in the improvement of posture control during different types of standing and sitting in spinal cord injured individuals. Participants will be placed into one of 5 groups based on a physical classification of their spinal cord injury: Group 1: * Individuals with SCI that can stand independently * Will receive TPAD training * Will undergo standing, posture, sitting, and stepping assessments * Participation in this group will last about six months Group 2: * Individuals with SCI that cannot stand independently * Will receive TPAD training * Will undergo standing, posture, sitting, and stepping assessments * Participation in this group will last about 6 months Group 3: * Individuals with SCI that can stand independently * Will undergo standing and posture assessments * Participation in this group will last about 2 weeks Group 4: * Individuals with SCI that cannot stand independently * Will undergo standing and posture assessments * Participation in this group will last about 2 weeks Group 5: * Individuals without a SCI * Will undergo standing, posture, and sitting assessments * Participation in this group will last about 2 weeks
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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Sitting Assessment
Timeframe: On average 4 hours to complete. Done at the beginning of the study for groups 1, 2, and 5. Repeated by groups 1 & 2 during training (up to 4 times) and at the end of the study (on average 6 months).
Neuromuscular Recovery Scale (NRS)
Timeframe: On average, 2 hours to complete. Groups 1 and 2 will complete the NRS at the beginning of the study and at the end (on average 6 months).
Standing Assessment
Timeframe: On average 4 hours to complete. Done at the beginning of the study for all groups. Repeated by groups 1 & 2 during training (up to 4 times) and at the end of the study (on average 6 months).