Kessler Foundation became the first Rehabilitation Center to introduce the Robotic Gait Training System using the LokomatPro V6 in the U.S. It is a sophisticated robotic training system, which is designed to improve mobility in people suffering from spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury or multiple sclerosis disease and whose movements have been restrained. The Lokomat is designed and developed by Hocoma, a manufacturer based in Switzerland.
The LokomatPro, made by Hocoma, is a sophisticated robotic gait retraining device for individuals with mobility impairments caused by spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. Kessler Foundation and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation are the first centers in the U.S. to use the device in clinical care and research.
The medical director of Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation, Steven Kirshblum, explained that robotic therapy is a new and emerging concept in the treatment of people suffering /recovering from spinal cord injury, stroke or other conditions, which have resulted in motor defects. The Kessler team is also exploring the options of extending the role of Lokomat in improving the strength, mobility, bone density, respiratory and bladder functioning in patients recovering from paralysis. The Interim Director of the Human Performance and Movement Analysis Research at Kessler, Gail Forrest, stated that the LokomatPro would be used by collaborating with the clinical and research teams at Kessler, so their researchers could coordinate with clinicians to collect the data while patients are using Lokomat. The researchers at Kessler would make use of the investigative tools that the robotic system offers to collect data, which is more quantifiable and offers information on the recovery of the patient. Apart from refining their research efforts, Dr. Forrest explained that they would share the data with Hocoma so that they could work on making further modifications and enhancements to their product.
The Lokomat is essentially a treadmill supported with a harness and leg supports. It offers augmented feedback to optimize the therapy. While the patient is on the system, the leg supports, move the person’s legs in the walking motion and he is able to visualize himself walking in various environments, like parks, beaches etc. All the parts of the gait training system are adjustable, including height, length, walking speed and load on the legs. Feedback from the sensors enables the adjustment of the load depending on the individual. LokomatPro is an enhanced version of the originally introduced Lokomat, with touch screen controls and hardware and software, which are upgradable.