Technology for mobility and quality of life in spinal cord injury [Analyzing a Series of Options Available]

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of mobility devices available for the rehabilitation of individuals with (spinal cord injury) SCI. The technologies that improve mobility and potentially enhance community participation that will be discussed include those devices that are used to improve ambulation, wheeled mobility, and functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems. This review should provide a guide to biomedical engineers to understand the tools developed, the design characteristics, and the functionality of such technologies that strive to improve functional mobility of individuals with SCI. This review is not intended to suggest the optimal device(s) geared for a given individual with SCI. Conversely, since it is important to match the person with the technology, the purpose of this review is to offer a series of mobility options that may be available to a person with SCI.