The Kennedy Krieger Institute is Using Robotic Exoskeletons to Help People Regain Mobility
By: Joel Hosner, MDTAP Advisory Council Consumer Representative
Spinal cord injuries can result in the long-term loss of mobility. According to the Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger in Baltimore, recovering some degree of sensation, movement, and independence is possible with the right therapies and supports. One of the forms of support at Kennedy Krieger comes directly from a robot! Kennedy Krieger is using a robotic exoskeleton developed by Ekso Bionics that literally helps patients with spinal cord injuries get back on their feet without human assistance in a clinical setting.
Exoskeleton
Man in Exoskeleton
Once patients with spinal cord injuries are upright, they can re-learn step patterns and weight shifting, which is required for stable walking. Patients can sometimes make progress by getting moving early on in their recovery.
To learn more about the Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger in Baltimore, go to https://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/centers-and-programs/international-center-for-spinal-cord-injury, or call 888-923-9222 to make an appointment.
