Robotic Exoskeleton
The Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne uses a robotic exoskeleton to help severely injured patients stand and learn to walk again. The wearable medical device also helps patients regain confidence and freedom. This advanced technology is used for patients recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury or other debilitating conditions.
Therapists use the wearable device to help patients walk earlier in the rehabilitation process, which can help improve walking speed and distance - critical factors for the best possible recovery. To walk in the device, a patient is strapped into the suit while motors drive the hip and knee joints. Software settings can be adjusted based on a patient’s weaknesses and tailored for each rehab session.
Training with this wearable device is one of the latest advancements in stroke treatment and neurorehab. It augments strength, which improves step patterns, weight shifting and posture. Most patients take an average of 400 steps their first time training in the device.
The exoskeleton medical device available at the Rehabilitation Hospital is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use with stroke and spinal cord injuries from L5 to C7 and is the only exoskeleton with FDA approval for use with acquired brain injury patients. The technology and accompanying software is the only exoskeleton available for rehabilitation institutions that can provide dynamically adapting amounts of power to either side of a patient’s body, challenging the patient as they progress.
For additional information or to make a referral, call (260) 435-6121.