What is Exoskeleton?
An exoskeleton is a wearable suit that helps individuals with any amount of weakness in the lower extremity area to stand up straight and walk with a complete natural weight bearing. When a person wishes to use the suit to walk, he will achieve that by shifting weight to activate sensors within the device which initiates steps. The device has a battery-powered motor, which drives the legs by replacing deficient neuromuscular function.
For Who is the Exoskeleton Suitable?
The exoskeleton is suitable for people who have survived a stroke or some other heavy injury such as a spinal cord injury, and cannot walk. This device has changed the recovery process in walk training and neurorehabilitation. It does that by augmenting not only the patient’s strength, but also the therapist’s capability to work with his/her patients.
The device utilizes patented technology with motor powered legs which also power the hip and knee movement. The battery is very efficient and can run a full day long use. The exoskeleton is controlled by motion sensors and onboard computers which are in charge for restoring the self-initiated walking process without any need of switches or tethers to begin with making the first steps.
What can Patients Expect?
The device controls movement and uses changes in center of gravity which, of course, have to be subtle. It mimics the walking pattern of the legs which is very similar to the walk of able-bodied people and gives functional walking speed. The system senses the forward tilt of the upper body and triggers the first step.
This awesome device gives a means for many individuals with complete paralysis and week strength in forearms. It enables them to walk and stand. The device helps patients to learn how to take steps properly, and it helps them to shift weight utilizing a functional based platform. The exoskeleton makes it easier to dosage steps a patient walks over the ground.
Patients who use this device already see how practical it is. It helps to walk upright, gives a whole day mobility, and provides access to areas and buildings which, unfortunately, do not have ramps. The device makes it easy to perform tasks such as cooking or some work bench activities. It also can reach some objects that are in high places. The exoskeleton increases the independence which is the crucial and most important factor.
Characteristics of Exoskeleton
This particular device has a few more great characteristics. It helps the individuals to participate in some activities that would pose a great problem if there would not be a device of this nature. People who wear this suit will now have the opportunity to participate in presentations, or to visit a bar without any difficulties. If you wear this suit, you will be able to go for a walk with your family and friends.
This exoskeleton has numerous health benefits such as it affects the bones in a positive way, makes them stronger, decreases the body fat, and improves the function of the cardiorespiratory system. The device also decreases spasticity, decreases pain, improves bladder function and also improves posture while sitting.
Exoskeletons were on many occasions a regular thing in sci-fi movies. However, these devices are becoming a thing of preset times.
What Does the Future Bring?
If this device catches on, and there aren’t many reasons why it would not, this will be such a boon for the disabled people.
The last five year were crucial and brought many positive changes throughout the various tech components, such as microelectronics, motors, small sensors which have enabled us to create robotic assistive devices. Those devices can now be brought to the market, and help many people in need.
With the help of such device, many people will walk again. Prior to going through the rehabilitation, patients will have to go through the evaluation process which will determine if it is ok for them to start working with the device. Doctors will test bone density, flexibility, and muscular tone. If it all checks out, the Doctor will give a green light, and the rehabilitation may begin. Exoskeleton helps the paralyzed walk, but also does more than that. It recuperates the mental wellbeing and is a true asset.
Learning to walk again is not easy, and it requires practice and specialized training, but with perseverance and good will anything is possible.
