Body Representation in Patients with Severe Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study on the Promising Role of Powered Exoskeleton for Gait Training

The study evaluated the effects of robotic training with the Ekso-GT on body representation and quality of life in 42 patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants were divided into an experimental group (EG) receiving Ekso-GT training and a control group (CG) undergoing conventional physical therapy. The primary outcome was measured using the modified Body Uneasiness Test (MBUT), focusing on body suffering, psychological distress, and lower limb perception. Secondary outcomes included the Short-Form-12 Health Status Questionnaire and Beck’s Depression Inventory. Results indicated that the EG showed significant improvements in body representation, quality of life, and psychological distress compared to the CG. The study suggested that Ekso-GT training could positively impact body representation and quality of life in patients with chronic SCI.