Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
What is the current research situation?
Almost 100 acutely and chronically paraplegic patients have been trained in various studies using the HAL exoskeleton, with astonishing results.
How is HAL therapy carried out?
Scientific studies have indicated that patients should train five times a week for 12 weeks using the system. Each therapy session lasts about 2 hours per day, including patient preparation and follow-up.
What are the results?
Scientific studies have shown the following developments:
- Improvement of gait
- Increased walking speed
- Reduced need for aids
- Improvement in skin sensitivity
- Reduced spasticity
- Reduced neuropathic pain
- Strengthening of the muscles
- Stimulation of affected parts of the brain
Who is suitable for HAL therapy?
Robot exoskeletons are controlled using nerve impulses, which are captured by sensors on the surface of the skin. For this reason, only patients who show residual impulses in the muscles associated with the hip and knee joints are able to train using the HAL exoskeleton. Experience shows that this applies to 20 to 30% of all patients with spinal cord injury. To clarify their situation, patients are asked to send us all relevant test results. After this an initial medical assessment is made.