At the Glenrose, robotic -assisted gait therapy is a form of physical therapy that uses a robotic device to help a person improve their ability to walk.
In the past, a physical therapist would manually move a client’s legs through repeated gait cycles. This was a very labour-intensive process that allowed for only a limited number of repetitions at a significant physical cost to the therapist. Robotic systems clamp the legs and support them through many repetitions. The pace and relative support of the two limbs can be programmed for maximum effect.
Robotics is also evolving to include the Ekso Skeleton, which is a wearable bionic exoskeleton robotic suit that allows wheelchair users to stand and walk.
The battery-powered bionic device can strap right over a client’s clothes. It is equipped with sensors and motors that allowclients to walk safely and avoid falling.
The torso and leg straps make it easier for clients who have suffered from stroke, spinal cord injury and other forms of lower extremity weakness to walk again.
Hand and wrist function is a significant rehabilitation challenge for clients with stroke, traumatic brain injury, and geriatric populations. The FEPS device enables clients to exercise their hands and wrists through multiple ranges of motion at various resistance levels to help a client gain strength. Therapists are provided with an accurate representation of the effort and ability that a client uses.
The Lokomat in the BTACC consists of a treadmill, a body weight-support system and two robotic legs that attach to the thighs and calves.
The client’s legs are moved through a gait-like pattern while the Lokomat controls the hip and knee motion, the amount of gait assistance provided, gait speed and amount of body weight support.
Force sensors measure the amount of resistance or assistance generated by the client from which data is extracted to measure the client’s progress.
