STEPS Rehabilitation has some of the latest rehabilitation technology from around the world. The suite of rehabilitation technology available includes:
- WristMotus™
- HandyRehab™
- OTParvos™
- ArmMotus™ EMU,
- ArmMotus™M2 Pro
- ExoMotus M4
- MindMotion Go
- The Izar
- Intento PRO
- MindPod,
- Syrebo Glove
- Neuroball
- Neater Eater
STEPS Rehabilitation deliver a unique and wide-ranging blend of traditional therapy, rehabilitation technology and medical treatment all located under one roof, working with Consultants in Rehabilitation Medicine, spinal cord injury and psychology.
Pioneering Technology
STEPS Rehabilitation incorporate cutting-edge technology into individualised rehabilitation programmes. This technology is carefully chosen to suit the diverse stages of recovery following complex trauma injuries and neurological conditions, customising interventions for each client's specific needs.
The interdisciplinary team at STEPS is dedicated to selecting technology that is both clinically appropriate and practical for use, from the sub-acute phase to years after onset.
Driving Innovation Through Research and Development
STEPS is in the unique position to work with cutting-edge technology and is committed to sharing the knowledge gained to inform future technology development and application to clinical practice, that reaches far beyond STEPS.
Collaboration is key and STEPS work closely with technology companies, providing feedback on product development, developing protocols, and evaluating usage. Case studies feed into future feasibility trials, aiming to inform and shape the evolution of clinical practices.
Technology use pathway
To ensure all the different technologies at STEPS are considered for use with each client as part of their rehabilitation programme, STEPS have developed a checklist and usage protocol. Formal evaluations are currently underway to understand how the interdisciplinary team are integrating this technology into clinical practice, including:
- who benefits and why,
- what frequencies and lengths of sessions are they finding beneficial,
- what are clinicians’ opinions of integrating technology into clinical practice
- what is working well
- what is challenging
CASE STUDY – Angela
Angela was 27 years old, when in January 2020 she was involved in a road traffic accident causing her to sustain a C2 central cord syndrome injury. Angela arrived at STEPS Rehabilitation two years post injury; due to covid her rehabilitation had been impacted.
Following initial assessments, short- and long-term goals were developed with Angela, these included:
Angela’s Short-term goals:
- To eat independently
- To apply makeup to a high standard
- To brush teeth independently
- To transfer with minimal assistance
- To transfer from lying to sitting over the edge of the bed independently
Angela’s long-term goals included:
- To return to work
- To use a lightweight wheelchair indoors
- To return to community living
- To return to dating
- To walk into a local pub
During her stay at STEPS Rehabilitation, the following technology was integrated into her rehabilitation programme; MindMotion Go, ArmMotus™EMU, ArmMotus and the FES Intento. Time in the RehabHub (technology gym) was scheduled for 2 to 4 sessions weekly, each lasting one hour. The treatment protocol incorporated several key elements tailored to her needs: repetitive task training focusing on her fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders bilaterally. Additionally, the programme involved exercises aimed at enhancing range of movement and strength in her upper limbs, coupled with balance work in diverse postures.
Angela’s Key Outcomes
| Admission to STEPS May 2022 | January 2023 | |
| Sit to stand in 30 seconds | 6 | 10.5 |
| SCIM* | 22 | 46 |
| ROM* of Elbow flexion Left | 0 | 20 degrees |
| ROM of Elbow flexion Right | 0 | 120 degrees |
| ROM of Shoulder flexion Left | 0 | 20 degrees |
| ROM of Shoulder flexion Right | 0 | 25 degrees |
| 9 Hole peg test left hand | 2.36.33 min | 1.57.36 min |
| Transfers | Assistance of 2 | Assistance of 1 with aid of 1 Fischer stick |
| Lying to sitting over edge of bed | Max assistance of 1 | Independent from flat bed |
| Applying make up | Unable to achieve to her own standards | Able to apply to face, eyes, lips while looking in a mirror |
| Brushing teeth | Assistance of 1 to apply toothpaste, switch on, brush, switch off | Fully independent-applying toothpaste, switching on, brushing teeth, switching off and placing back on sink |
| BORG scale* with ExoMotus M4 | 9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Distance with assistance at pre set parameters with ExoMotus M4 | 80 metres | 160 metres |
| Distance with disable joint (no assistance) mode with ExoMotus M4 | 40 metres | 80 metres |
*SCIM – Spinal Cord Independence Measure
*ROM – Range of Movement
*BORG scale – Rate of Perceived Exertion
The case study of Angela's remarkable progress highlights the possible outcomes achievable through the integration of technology within an intensive rehabilitation programme.
Upper Limb Neurotechnology Group
New for 2023 is the STEPS Upper Limb Neurotechnology Group for outpatients. This eight-week programme is designed to provide the opportunity to access an intensive upper limb group using a unique range of the latest rehabilitation technology.
This group is designed for individuals facing upper limb impairment due to neurological conditions or complex trauma injuries.
The programme uses the suite of robotics and VR technology, available at STEPS, including Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), robotics, virtual reality (VR), and full-body motion capture. This powerful combination offers an intensive, high-repetition, and motivational treatment approach, enhancing therapy for those with upper limb impairment.
Participants will have access to multiple devices during an 8-week programme, designed to meet their individual goals. To find out more please go to our Upper Limb Neurotechnology Group page here.
Reimagining Rehabilitation
The integration of technology within residential and day rehabilitation programmes improves client outcomes.
Intensive and precise training promotes neuroplasticity and motor learning is a hallmark of their methodology. However, it is crucial to note that while technology plays a pivotal role, it can only be fully optimised under the guidance of a skilled and creative clinicians implementing tailored protocols.
STEPS innovative approach uses a combination of hands-on facilitation with a wide range of leading rehabilitation technology from around the world.
The success of these programmes relies on the therapist’s skill and intuitive implementation. Data collection using international recognised outcome measures allows us to feed into wider research on a worldwide platform.
Currently there is limited research and development for the use of technology with different patient groups. STEPS remain dedicated to driving innovation through collaboration
The specialist intensive rehabilitation programmes offered at STEPS with full access to all available technologies, allows us to support better engagement with clients, and provides us maximum opportunity to collect data over a longer period.
Having the flexibility to collect data over a 24/7 period in turn gives us the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the benefits of our approach.
These pioneering efforts to integrate technology with therapeutic practices benefits the clients at and contributes to the broader advancement of rehabilitation technology in clinical practice.