Bionic Physical Therapy with the Robotic Exoskeleton Suit

We’ve heard the stories of people facing a limited ability to walk after a major accident, injury or illness. It’s a test of determination and fearlessness as they take back as much mobility as possible through physical therapy and rehab.

Avera Medical Group Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in Sioux Falls enhances walking therapy with technology with exoskeleton technology. The exoskeleton by Ekso Bionics embraces your body and supports your exact needs. This device is the first in the region.

“With the exoskeleton, we can initiate gait much sooner than with conventional gait training and at a superior level quality. When it comes to neuroplasticity, the sooner a patient uses motor pathways, the more we can maximize on their potential,” said Jessica Meyers, DPT, Rehab Therapy Supervisor, “That translates to patient success.”

The exoskeleton is available for outpatient use as well as at the inpatient rehab unit in Sioux Falls.

“At first glance, people might think it’s a passive exercise with the device doing all the work,” said Meyers. “It’s anything but. Exoskeleton helps you move, but you’re putting in the exact effort.”

“It helps us gauge your improvement,” said Meyers. “We’re also informed about any areas on your body that aren’t properly engaged in the movement; we then recalibrate our approach to maximize each session.”

Benefits of Exoskeleton Therapy

These are some of the multifaceted benefits the exoskeleton provides:

• Practicing your ability to walk forward, backward and sideways, and even squat
• Discovering any irregularities in your gait
• Assisting with leg swing-through and stance support as you move
• Building lower body strength
• Boosting cardiovascular ability
• Building core stability and balance

Potential Exoskeleton Candidates

The exoskeleton is designed for anyone needing or seeking improvement in their walking abilities. Potential candidates may include patients with a condition or injury, such as:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Acquired brain injury
• Traumatic spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• West Nile virus
• Parkinson’s disease
• Diagnoses that affect gait, getting up and standing, walking, etc.

“Depending on your injury or illness, we don’t want the exoskeleton to create false hope,” said Meyers. “Rather, consider it a solid tool to support your most optimal outcome.”

Dedicated Funding for Advancements

Donations to the Avera Foundation helped make the exoskeleton a reality at Avera Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Avera’s team strives to be on the leading edge of technology and patient services — investing in technology, research and even buildings — that make care easier for patients. For example,  Avera’s most recent building projects serve patients with all-encompassing care in digestive health and women’s and pediatric care. In addition, the Avera outpatient neuro team recently fundraised for a functional electrical stimulation unit, the Xcite, which is used by outpatient neurology patients.

The unit allows a patient to regain functional movement and motor skills after a neurological injury or illness by using electrical stimulation for sequenced muscle contractions that support task-specific activities, such as feeding and transfers. It can be used for both upper and lower extremities.

“This device enhances neuromuscular re-education, which helps patients achieve their functional goals and greater independence,” said Somer Sutton, DPT, Director of Outpatient Therapy.

Learn about therapy and rehab services at Avera.