Prosthetic exoskeleton helps paraplegics walk again at U.S. rehab centers

[steve2470]

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57421328-10391704/prosthetic-exoskeleton-helps-paraplegics-walk-again-at-u.s-rehab-centers/?google_editors_picks=true

(CBS News) Patients with spinal cord and other mobility-inhibiting injuries have a new hope in the form of Ekso, a commercially-available prosthetic exoskeleton that's already been distributed to some of the premier rehab centers around the country.

Essentially, Ekso is a ready-to-wear robotic prosthesis that functions as a second pair of legs. With the help of a trained therapist, patients are strapped in and can begin sessions immediately. Motors rest on each hip, which are powered by a lithium ion battery that lasts up to three hours. Also, over 30 sensors that work together on the device to enable life-like walking. If the left crutch is moved forward, the on-board commuter knows to move the right leg and vice-versa.

Developed by California-based Ekso Bionics, preliminary trials of Ekso took place over the course of ten months and produced promising results. A total of sixty-three paraplegia-afflicted patients participated in the initial program, which began in 2010. All of them regained a degree of mobility with the apparatus. In their first session alone, the users were able to walk between 81 and 638 steps. On average, the total steps taken exceeded 200.

Michael Rhode, a C6/7 quadriplegic at the Kessler Institute, called the experience "one of the most unbelievable feelings I've ever had. I just started walking." Michael took 520 steps during his first session in Ekso in February.

[MinneapolisMatt]

1. Now THAT is doing the Lord's work.

Or whatever you believe in. Good karma to all.

[MineralMan]

2. This is a terrific development, and should be eventually available to everyone

who can benefit from it. Free of charge, and paid for by Medicare.