Wearable Exoskeleton

What is an Exoskeleton?

     Exoskeleton is a robotic device that helps people with weak or paralyzed lower-body muscles, often due to a stroke. It allows patients with walking difficulties to stand and walk more easily, helping them regain a better quality of life.

How Does It Work?

     This wearable two-legged robot has motors in the hips and knees, powered by an internal battery. It assists walking with a moving suspension frame and crutches, all controlled by wireless software.

Key Benefits

• Neuro-muscular rehabilitation: It helps patients with neurological or musculoskeletal disorders that impair their ability to walk.
• Muscle and nerve stimulation: The exoskeleton helps restore muscle function and stimulates the nervous system, allowing patients to regain control over their leg movements and improve their gait to be smoother and more natural.
• Efficient training: Patients can walk in a correct, natural pattern, enabling longer and more effective training sessions.

Combining exoskeleton training with physical therapy has been shown to improve walking ability and balance in stroke patients more effectively than physical therapy alone.

Why Choose Ramkhamhaeng Hospital?

Ramkhamhaeng Hospital offers exoskeleton training for all stages of neurological recovery, from patients with severe weakness to those who want to improve their walking speed. The program includes:

• Trained physical therapists certified by the exoskeleton manufacturer.
• Personalized treatment plans for each patient.
• Ongoing progress tracking to ensure the best possible results.

Recommended Training Duration

     For optimal results, patients should train with the exoskeleton 3-5 times a week for 2-6 weeks. Each session lasts 40-60 minutes. This method is proven to improve a patient's walking speed, endurance, and overall gait quality, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory health. The duration of treatment varies based on the severity of the condition and the patient's recovery progress.

Who is it for?

The exoskeleton is suitable for patients with:

• Paralysis from a spinal cord injury.
• Paralysis from a stroke.
• Parkinson's disease.
• Elderly individuals with walking difficulties.