This study will be taking place at the NRH in Washington, DC and the Miami Project at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Florida. 

Individuals with SCI frequently develop secondary conditions.  Some of these secondary conditions that will be studied include decreased bone mineral content (osteoporosis), lower levels of aerobic fitness, abnormal blood values related to blood fats and blood sugar, and decreased quality of life compared to persons without disability.

            A unique exercise training program will be used in this study in an attempt to positively influence these secondary conditions.  Exercise will consist of walking on a specially designed treadmill with a portion of the body weight supported and walking facilitated by a computer-controlled robotic system.  This system is often referred as the Lokomat^Ò system.  Changes in these secondary conditions during 6 months will be compared between individuals with SCI who complete the exercise training program and others persons with SCI who receive the usual care and rehabilitation.