Effect of Hybrid Functional Electrical Stimulation and Augmented Reality-Based Gait Training on Gait Parameters Among Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether combining Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) with Augmented Reality (AR)-based gait training can improve walking ability in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The study aims to identify the most effective rehabilitation approach for enhancing gait performance and functional independence among these patients. In this study, participants will include: * Adults aged 18-45 years * Diagnosed with incomplete spinal cord injury (ASIA Impairment Scale grades C or D) * Neurological level of injury between T10 and L2 * Medically stable and able to walk with or without assistive devices * Cognitively intact and capable of providing informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe spasticity or contractures in the lower limbs * Significant pain or joint instability * Other neurological or musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis) * Recent lower limb fractures or orthopedic surgeries * Cardiovascular instability or open skin lesions Two treatment groups will be formed: Group A and Group B. * Group A will receive Hybrid FES-AR gait training, which combines electrical stimulation of muscles with visual, task-specific feedback provided through augmented reality. * Group B will receive conventional gait training, which includes standard physiotherapy methods such as strength, balance, and mobility exercises without FES or AR. Both interventions will be delivered over 12 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, each lasting approximately 40 minutes. Baseline assessments will be conducted before starting therapy, followed by evaluations at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The outcome measures will include improvements in gait speed, step length, stride length, cadence, and gait symmetry, using validated clinical tools such as the JAKC Observational Gait Analysis, Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI II), and the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). This study seeks to determine whether the hybrid approach (FES + AR) leads to greater improvement in walking ability compared to traditional gait training. The findings may help guide future rehabilitation strategies and support the integration of technology-based interventions into spinal cord injury management.

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