Scientists testing new exoskeleton for spinal cord injuryRSS Feed

Scientists are testing an exoskeletal device in six patients suffering from traumatic spinal cord injury.

Ekso, a robotic exoskeleton from Ekso Bionics, is designed to help wheelchair users to stand and walk.

Researchers studied the effect of the exoskeleton on the six patients, five who had paraplegia and one who suffered from quadriplegia, and made a video about the experience.

According to researchers, the week of preliminary testing will provide key information to guide protocol development, including the selection criteria for spinal injury patients.

Lead researcher Dr Gail Forrest said:  "We will look at the effects of standing and walking for people with paralysis due to spinal cord injury.

"Whether there are physiologic changes taking place, and what those changes mean in terms of functional improvement."

This follows news of an exoskeletal device at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center which helps people with spinal cord injury to walk upright.

News by Serious Law. Expert legal assistance for those affected by spinal injury

Posted by Paul Breen

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