Every year, approximately 11,000 people are impacted by life-altering spinal cord injuries leading to paraplegia or quadriplegia, and thousands more have their ability to stand and walk impacted by neurological issues such as strokes or disease. Adapting to the change in circumstances involves learning to navigate a wheelchair right now, but a possible alternative is in the works.
Ekso Bionics has released the Eksoskeleton, a robotic exoskeleton that helps people living with paralysis or lower limb weakness stand and walk, to select rehab centers. Current models weigh 45 pounds, but the device's frame transfers its weight to the ground so that the user doesn't carry it. A pair of lithium batteries power the motors located at the hip and knee. The Ekso attaches to the user over his or her clothing with the help of Velcro straps and may be adjusted for users anywhere from 5'2" up to 6'2", and supports weights of up to 220 pounds.
Before beginning the training program, possible users are evaluated by a physical therapist for range of motion, spasticity, and muscle strength. The best candidates are those who have enough upper body strength to transfer independently from a conventional chair to a wheelchair. After an evaluation, a physical therapist programs the control pad with parameters for the user's walk such as the length and speed of steps as well as controlling when the Ekso steps, stands, and sits. Users may reach walking speeds of up to one mile an hour, and the newest model has three modes to accommodate the user's level of aptitude. It can also be set to provide audio cues to let the user know when he or she has achieved optimal positioning to take a step. With the help of a remote control, the therapist can assist the user in determining when to take a step, how to balance him or herself, and when and how to shift his or her weight to get ready for the next step. For extra balance and stability, the user initially supports him or herself with a walker, then eventually transitions to using crutches.
Ekso Bionics also maintains a secure cloud server that wirelessly receives data on each user, allowing them to provide documentation for insurance companies and Medicare. In addition to assisting with mobility, enabling a user to stand for short periods of time could help in preventing complications related to spinal cord injuries such as pressure sores, respiratory or urinary tract infections, and deep vein thrombosis.
The Eksoskeleton is currently in use at some fourteen rehab centers in the US and Europe. In April of 2012, it won the Golden Edison Award for Best New Assistive Product, and received the CE Marketing Certification, allowing it to go on the market in Europe.
Fran Jablway
and
Hulet Smith, OT
