Lokomat at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital

Madonna clinicians are currently undergoing intensive training sessions on the use of this cutting-edge piece of robotic equipment, which can help some people improve their ability to walk after disability caused by brain and spinal cord injuries, stroke, or neurological and orthopaedic conditions. Though the Lokomat is an effective and advanced rehabilitation tool, robot-assisted walking therapy is specialized and some medical conditions may limit its appropriateness for all people.

Studies show that locomotion therapy supported by a robotic assisted device on a treadmill is an effective intervention for improving over-ground walking function for those limited by illness or injury. The Lokomats specialized support and limb guidance, and the repetitive walking pattern, help the brain and spinal cord work together to re-route neural pathways, retraining the brain and body to facilitate the gait movements needed for walking.

In addition, Lokomat therapy helps strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular health. The weight bearing aspect of the Lokomat may aid in the prevention of osteoporosis, building bone mass as the person assumes some of his or her own weight during therapy.

Madonna hopes to begin receiving patient referrals from physicians for the Lokomat in early 2010.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Lokomat
• body weight support
• spinal cord injury
• stroke
• brain injury
• head injury
• gait and motion
• ambulation
• gait retraining
• rehabilitation

[metriks07]

Very informative video.

Metriks' FCE software allows the healthcare professional to objectively quantify and report on a person's functional abilities.

[SRainbolt]

I had to be suited laying down to make sure it was on tight enough - I'm surprised they did it here standing...

[bozez1]

God Bless!  This is awesome.