This is great and amazing! The EKSO bionic suit was officially launched in Ireland, on Monday 15th July in RACE Academy Kildare. Ekso is a wearable bionic suit which enables individuals with lower extremity paralysis to walk over ground with a fully weight bearing reciprocal gait. Battery powered motors drive the legs and replace deficient neuromuscular function to either or both legs. In short, it provides the capability of providing daily walking exercise for survivors of stroke and spinal injury. Among those attending the launch were Jonjo Bright who spoke about his experiences since his accident in March 2013 as well as Jack Kavanagh, a Trinity College student who demonstrated how Ekso enables him to keep his life on track. Jane Evans, RollingBall, has a vision for the introduction of the Ekso wearable robot in Ireland that reaches beyond rehabilitation in hospitals. Many survivors of stroke and spinal cord injury recovered enough to leave the hospital and it is the last place they want to be after many months of rehab. For this reason Jane is seeking support for funding to place Ekso robotic exoskeletons in fitness centres around the country so that people with lower limb impairment can have broader access to walk again. Access to Ekso robotic exoskeleton outside of core working hours is important for people who are trying to rebuild their lives. Exercise programmes need to fit into a daily routine to be successful. Rehab centres that purchase the Ekso robotic exoskeleton for treating their patients could also help by making their equipment available outside of their clinical treatment times. This may suit older or less confident individuals who could find going to a gym intimidating. Daily walking exercise is promoted as key to overall health and the Ekso wearable robot makes this possible for survivors of stroke and spinal injury. It is already in use in leading rehabilitation centres around the world including US Newsʼ No. 1 ranked hospital in rehabilitation, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). Putting forward the argument for regular access to this bionic suit is Mark Pollock who has been an early pioneer of walking in the Ekso robotic exoskeleton. “I have always believed that getting up and active is worthwhile. Before paralysis that belief inspired me to race to the South Pole. And, now that I am paralysed it is inspiring me to roll to the gym every day in my wheelchair and walk tens of thousands of uncharted steps in my Ekso.” People of all ages have contacted Jane to walk in the Ekso wearable robot and some have gone even further than that. Jack Kavanagh had just finished first year pharmacy, was a qualified lifeguard and windsurfing instructor when in August 2012 he dived into a wave and broke his neck. Jack travelled to Cambridge in December 2013 for a therapy programme that included walking in the Ekso robotic exoskeleton. “I couldn’t find anything in Ireland and then I heard about Prime Physio in Cambridge,” says Jack. He is not the only person to has left Ireland to seek help. Jonjo Bright after his accident in March 2013 says: ”When I was in hospital I was already making plans to travel to project walk in America but then found Neurokinex in Watford. They are a sister company to project walk and use the same method of activity based rehab; exercising above and below the level of injury. This does not exist inIreland”. Jane has also been to Prime Physio and believes the type of therapy programme delivered there can be delivered in Ireland. It doesnʼt have to be delivered in the context of specially designed stand-alone rehab facilities. It can be incorporated in existing facilities. “I believe there are individuals and organisations in Ireland who together could address this problem and provide a solution. This is not rocket science. I am calling for support from the government, from philanthropists, medical and therapy professionals, support groups to come together to ensure that another generation of people are provided with the options they so richly deserve. “ Patrick McStravick, Director of New Product Introduction with Ekso Bionics CA. is enthusiastic about this community based project: “Having more access to Ekso devices in Ireland would provide a superb platform for research and bring valuable international interest to the centres integrating this technology into their wellness programmes.,” said Patrick. The potential suitable users for the Ekso robotic exoskeleton need sufficient upper extremity strength to balance with crutches or a walker if the user has complete lower extremity paralysis, or functional strength through one side of the body if user presents with hemiplegia. Patients must also be between 5’2″ – 6’2″ (150-190 cm) tall, weigh no more than 220 lbs (100 kg), and have hips no wider than 18″. This may include individuals with; - Up to C7 complete spinal cord injury - Any level incomplete spinal cord injury - Non or pre-ambulatory individuals post stroke
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 20:36:54 +0000
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