One in four adults aged over 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Half of these stroke survivors will be left with a long-term walking impairment which can severely impact upon their work, social and family lives and mental wellbeing.
The exoskeleton is a potentially life-changing stroke rehabilitation solution.
These high-tech robotic devices physically and psychologically empower stroke survivors to get back on their feet, building crucial neuroplasticity.
Ekso Bionics is a leading manufacturer of exoskeleton technology. Its EksoNR medical exoskeleton is the most clinically-used and studied of all the medical exoskeletons on the market.
The FDA-cleared exoskeleton has helped thousands of stroke survivors on their rehabilitation journeys.
Scott Davis, President & COO at Ekso Bionics, explains how it works.
“EksoNR is designed to be used in a clinical setting to progress neurorehab patients so they can regain the ability to stand, balance, and walk, and ultimately, return to their homes and communities with as much mobility as possible.
“EksoNR re-teaches the brain and muscles to walk properly after a stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or MS diagnosis.”
The EksoNR comes with a suite of exercises that help prepare patients for walking.
The pre-Gait suite includes programs to help with balance, weight-shifting, stepping forwards and backwards and squatting, allowing patients to progress at their own pace.
The various gait-training modes use sensors to continuously monitor leg movement, ensuring that the patient maintains the correct posture and doesn’t develop potentially harmful habits which could cause issues later down the line.
Michael Glover, Global Director of Clinical Experience at Ekso Bionics, explains:
“With EksoNR, they are relearning to walk with the best mechanics possible, so that as the robot does less, and they do more, they can “walk out” of Ekso as seamlessly as possible.”
The exoskeleton is supported by state-of-the-art software, controlled during the therapy session by a trained physical therapist.
As the patient works towards their goal, the therapist can adjust the settings using the touchscreen EksoView controller.
The therapist views immediate feedback on the controller and can then adapt the training and to ease off or push the patient further towards their goal.
Data generated during a session feeds into the cloud-based EksoPulse system, tracking the patient’s progress over time.
The information generated during these sessions can be hugely motivating for patients.
Michael says:
“When a patient sees that they are taking more steps, standing, and walking for longer periods, and using more of their own power, it gives them confidence to keep going.
“The feedback over the course of their rehab journey helps drive them to do more and continue to improve”
The EksoNR is established as a major player in neurorehab beyond just stroke.
Backed by more than 180 clinical studies, the exoskeleton is also FDA cleared for acquired brain injury (ABI), spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis.
And in June, Ekso Bionics received FDA clearance to market the exoskeleton for use with MS patients.
Michael says:
“In terms of what this means for MS patients, there is now an exoskeleton device that will allow them to safely and effectively recover from a relapse that may put them in the hospital.
“It also means that for those who are managing symptoms of this progressive degenerative disease, there is a tool they can use in outpatient rehab that will allow them to take hundreds or thousands of high quality steps to maintain their endurance and improve their posture and gait mechanics.”
Michael has ambitious plans for the technology in the months and years ahead, with a strategic focus on coupled therapies with advanced technologies.
He says:
“We are exploring opportunities with leading researchers on transcutaneous, epidural stimulation to the spinal cord and opportunities for similar stimulation directly to the brain.
“When considering these opportunities these therapies will target our current indications for use, but offer suggested opportunities for Parkinson’s Disease and Cerebal Palsy.
“We are [also] interested in exploring post-COVID debility to target activity tolerance, postural control to manage cardiorespiratory improvements.”
Meanwhile, Ekso Bionics continues to drive neurorehab research.
The company has recently participated in a US-based study led by IISART – an international organisation promoting advanced rehab technology across the neurological recovery space.
Ekso Bionics Chairman and CEO, Steven Sherman says:
“Ekso Bionics is committed to partnering and promoting advanced rehab technology across the rehab continuum.
“We also maintain our mission to provide advanced technologies in the Health Care and Industrial channels that help people avoid injuries, enhance mobility, and live their lives to the fullest capacity.”
This is an excerpt from our Special Report – Innovations in Stroke
