evices used by the patients. One of them is the RGO
(Reciprocating Gait orthosis)[43]. For effective use, patient’
s excess weight reduction and increased aerobic capacity
must be maintained and muscle mass must be increased.
RGO has been further developed and is more complicated
and more expensive than ARGO[44]. ARGO also leads to
an excessive waste of energy like RGO[45]. Hybrid walking
devices were created by adding Functional Electrical
Stimulation to orthosis. Walking is becoming better within
the hybrid devices[46]. Robotic training is a new approach
and is developing day by day. A case report showed that
upper extremity function has been improved by robotic
assistance over four weeks. After training, manual muscle
test scores of wrist extensor, finger flexor and finger
abductor are significantly increased[47]. Another study
demonstrated that the robotic-assisted gait training using
the locomat system improved the functional outcome of
subacute SCI patients[48].
The most important expectations in the chronic phase
or phase to return home are ensuring the maximum
independence related to the level of the patient’s injury,
integration of the patient to society and teaching the
importance of the family’s role.
In addition, house modifications are important for
patients with SCI in order to have independent activities
of daily living. Door width should be 81.5 cm for manual
wheelchair access and 86.5 cm for battery assisted
wheelchairs. The height of electric switches should be
91.5 cm. Adequate insulation and heat must be provided
at home. Door handles must be the “leverage shaped”
type and the height of the door sills should not impede
the passage of a wheelchair for tetraplegic patients.
Carpets should be removed and the surface should be
hard in order to maneuver the wheelchair. Bath tubs
should be mounted on the wall and must have handles.
The height of kitchen apparatuses should be accessible to
the patient[49]. There must be a ramp at the entrance to the
house[