We are delighted to announce the latest addition to our exoskeleton assessment centre, the ExoAtlet exoskeleton.

The ExoAtlet exoskeleton is used for gait training and rehabilitation, to improve the walking function and independence in clients with a neurological, muscular injury, illness, or weakness.

Enhanced Control: Clients can take charge of the ExoAtlet exoskeleton using a smart crutch. Alternatively, STEPS' therapy team can provide guidance through a tablet, ensuring a personalised and effective approach to treatment.

Expert Training: Stephen Ruffle from Thor Assistive Technologies delivered the ExoAtlet Exoskeleton to STEPS Rehabilitation at the beginning of September and conducted an intensive training session for the team.

Exoskeletons

Exoskeletons are used by clients with spinal cord injuries, stroke or other neurological conditions and seamlessly integrate into rehabilitation programmes. They can be used in various settings, including rehabilitation facilities, homes, and in the community. At STEPS, our clients have the opportunity to be assessed for a range of exoskeletons.

Many clients at STEPS benefit from this advanced technology, experiencing enhanced health and well-being.

These robotic exoskeleton suits not only support functional mobility but also active-based therapy. Their use has been associated with numerous physiological and psychological benefits, including improved bowel function, pain management, and maintaining bone mineral density. Clients gain the ability to stand and move at eye level, leading to improved social interactions and boosted confidence.

Exoskeletons play a pivotal role in assisting the development of new neurological pathways in both the brain and spinal cord. This stimulation, generated with each step, establishes a pattern akin to natural gait, offering a powerful stimulus for the restoration of sensitivity and independent walking.

Exoskeleton Assessment Centre

STEPS Rehabilitation operates in close partnership with Stephen Ruffle at Thor Assistive Technologies, ensuring that if appropriate, clients have access to this transformative technology as part of their rehabilitation journey.

As well as the ExoAtlet, individuals can also be assessed for the ReWalk™, ReStore and ExoMotus M4.

There are many different exoskeletons on the market with different advantages and disadvantages. STEPS Rehabilitation has access to multiple exoskeletons, enabling our therapists to trial and choose the most appropriate exoskeleton for the individual client.  

The ExoMotus offers more support than other exoskeletons, as it is permanently connected to a hoist mechanism, which works well for building confidence in the early days of treatment in standing and walking.

The ExoAtlet provides the option to work through 3 stages of activation. Step-by-step, continuous, and actively triggered by the pilot. The ExoAtlet has an interface that can quickly change the parameters of the walking pattern and type quickly and easily without the need for external technology and can be completed within seconds, unlike the ReWalk. The device can also be used on stairs, outdoor walking, and user control of gait. All allow clients to work on specific aspects of gait in a safe environment to meet their individual goals, whether that’s increased tolerance of standing, using an exoskeleton in daily life at home or being able to walk independently with crutches instead of a walking frame.

Tailored Rehabilitation Programmes

Having a choice of exoskeletons enables therapists at STEPS the unique opportunity to provide tailored rehabilitation to each client, with the potential to progress from one exoskeleton to another as appropriate.

STEPS evaluate the services they provide and will be doing so in detail with the new ExoAtlet to produce case studies and case series with different client groups so we can learn, reflect and review how we are applying the evidence in our clinical practice. This allows us to continuously improve the rehabilitation we offer with exoskeletons and share the knowledge we gain with the wider rehabilitation community. We hope this will lead on to further feasibility, economic evaluations, and research trial opportunities in the future.

Keep your eyes peeled for an exciting ExoAtlet Exoskeleton outing …

For more information, please contact hello@stepsrehabilitation.co.uk.