“My mom just reminded me of something. When I was injured 5 years ago the doctor told me I’d never walk again. Now patients with a new spinal cord injury are going to be told, “We are going to teach you how to walk differently.” I’d take different over never any day.” Matthew Tilford, Ekso Ambassador
With sincere appreciation to everyone at Ekso Bionics for the love and compassion you have shown us and for all the help we have received. We live in thanksgiving daily.
There are no words more powerful than a simple THANK YOU for helping us walk again.
From the US Ambassador Team – Paul, Amanda, Matt, Tamara, Chris, Sarah & Jason
It’s been busy, and getting even busier, but every day we are rewarded with new developments that energize and motivate us.
London hosted the International Spinal Cord Society´s (ISCoS) annual scientific meeting in parallel with the Paralympic Games this summer, inspiring participants at both events to break down barriers and refuse to accept the status quo when it comes to defining what people with spinal cord injuries can and can´t do.
Leading minds in the field of spinal cord injury learned the results from a pilot study conducted by Stephanie Kolakowsky-Hayner, PhD, Director of Rehabilitation Research at California’s Santa Clara Valley Medical Center on the safety of Ekso. A copy of the poster can be downloaded here and a copy of her PVA presentation can be downloaded here.
Plus New Ways to Understand and Share Your Progress
RICHMOND, California, August 9, 2012 – Ekso Bionics today announced that it has begun shipping an upgraded version of Ekso™, the bionic suit that powers patients with spinal cord injuries and pathologies up to get them standing up and walking again. Each Ekso now comes equipped with three new walking modes for progressive rehabilitation options, in addition to EksoPulse™, a wireless networked usage monitor. Patients will have new challenges as they master each level and more control of the suit as they become more adept. Also, Ekso now provides both the patient and the physical therapist with better insights into that patient’s headway.
Ekso is a ready-to-wear, battery-powered bionic suit – or exoskeleton – that is strapped over the user’s clothing. The device transfers its 45 lb. load directly to the ground, so the patient doesn’t bear the weight. Each Ekso can be adjusted in a few minutes to fit most people weighing 220 pounds or less, and between 5’2” and 6’2”, with at least partial upper body strength. The patient provides the balance and proper body positioning, and Ekso facilitates walking over ground with reciprocal gait.
“With this upgrade, clinicians using Ekso can now empower their patients even more by teaching them to control the suit autonomously, thereby giving them greater independence,” said Eythor Bender, Ekso Bionics’ CEO.
“As the patient gains confidence and familiarity with walking, Ekso now permits them to graduate to a next level, and then another,” explained Darrell Musick, clinical director at Ekso Bionics. “This comfortable experience-based progression allows for sequentially- increased freedom and better control. The patients love it.”
