Go to ABC News – GMA, click on the Thursday tab and in the second row is a video for Bionic Breakthrough. For a longer video that shows more of the capabilities of the ReWalk, go to Med-Gaget. An excerpt from the article follows:
ReWalk comprises a light wearable brace support suit which integrates DC motors at the joint, rechargeable batteries, an array of sensors and a computer-based control system. It fits the body snugly to detect upper body movements, which are used to initiate and maintain the walking process. Wearers also use crutches for stability and safety.
ReWalk is undergoing clinical trials in Israel at the Rehabilitation Hospital at Chaim Sheba Medical Center - Tel Hashomer, with pilots planned for rehab centers in Holland and Italy. A US trial is scheduled to begin in November at the Moss Rehabilitation Center in Philadelphia, after which Argo will apply for FDA regulatory approval.
Argo's demo video features team member Radi Kioff, a 40-year-old Druze Israeli citizen who was shot in the back while serving in the Israel Defense Forces during the first Lebanon War. Ironically, the man who devised the system that allows Kioff to walk cannot benefit from his own invention. A quadriplegic, Amit Goffer has only partial use of his hands, but not enough to operate the ReWalk.
The manufacturer, ArgoMedtec, also has a webpage that discusses the ReWalk Robotic Suit. An excerpt from this page follows:
ReWalk™ works with users – not just for them. Users walk with the assistance of crutches, controlling suit movement through subtle changes in center of gravity and upper-body movements. In addition to simplifying suit control, this user participation in mobility brings tangible health and emotional benefits. ReWalk™ is not just a vertical wheelchair – ReWalk™ restores the element of control over mobility so lacking for wheelchair users.
As any sedentary wheelchair user can attest, life in a wheelchair carries a hefty healthcare price tag. Serious problems with the urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems are common, as well as osteoporosis, pressure sores and other afflictions.
Functionality:
- All day usage
- Mobility – walking, sit-to-stand, stand-to-sit, climb stairs, ascending/descending slopes, driving
- Training – replacing other training equipment at home and at rehabilitation center
- Ability to use hand and shoulders (walking with crutches)
- Healthy cardiovascular system and bone density
I am not saying that this will work for any of us living with Kennedy's Disease, but it sure seems like it might be something that could help us remain ambulatory longer.
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Is this in any way useful for muscular dystrophy patients? Its an invention for the physically challanged.I am sure there will be more improvement and concealed wearable under clothes devise to make and feel natural will come up soon.
ReplyDeleteYes, these are all steps in the right direction in my opinion. We did not walk on the moon without a lot of trial and error steps ahead of time.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is now moving at the speed of light and one invention leads to another. I believe it will not be too many more years before the word "handicapped" takes on a whole new meaning.