Robotic Therapy Rehabilitation Centre

What is Exoskeleton Therapy?

Exoskeleton therapy is one of the rehabilitation methods that help patients improve their movements. Generally, patients are required to wear an exoskeleton suit that gives body support while helping you with your mobility. It is designed to fit your body, ensuring comfort and support.

There are three main exoskeleton suits; powered exoskeleton, passive exoskeleton, and soft exoskeleton. Each suit is different in terms of materials and usages, but they are technically made to improve mobility.

patient being helped with exoskeleton

Who Needs Exoskeleton Therapy

Exoskeleton therapy is beneficial for individuals with various mobility impairments. This includes those who have suffered partial or complete spinal cord injuries, which often result in a loss of the ability to walk. Stroke survivors who struggle with walking or maintaining balance can also benefit from this therapy.

Additionally, individuals with neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy, which affect their ability to move, may find exoskeleton therapy helpful in improving mobility. Even some elderly patients with severe mobility impairments or muscle weakness can use this technology to maintain independence and enhance their quality of life.

Here are some types of injuries and disorders that affect mobility:

How Exoskeleton Therapy Works

The therapy involves a step-by-step process that helps individuals regain mobility. Here is how it will go:

1. Assessment

A healthcare professional, usually a physical therapist, begins by evaluating the patient’s mobility, strength, and overall health to see if they are a good fit for the therapy.

2. Customisation

The exoskeleton is tailored to fit the patient’s body. Some devices can be adjusted to meet specific needs, offering different levels of support or assistance.

3. Training

The patient learns how to use the exoskeleton, practising movements like standing, walking, and sitting. A therapist helps them gradually master these tasks.

4. Therapy Sessions

The therapy is conducted in sessions that typically last 30 minutes to an hour, where the patient practices walking and other movements with the exoskeleton, guided by a therapist.

5. Monitoring and Adjustment

The patient’s progress is closely monitored, and the exoskeleton is adjusted as needed. The goal is to reduce mechanical assistance as the patient gains strength.

6. Ongoing Rehabilitation

Exoskeleton therapy may be part of a larger rehabilitation program, including other therapies like physical or occupational therapy.

staff assisting patient using exoskeleton for rehabilitation

Why You Need Exoskeleton Therapy

The therapy aims to help individuals to:

  • Improve Mobility 
    By assisting with movements, the exoskeleton suit can help patients walk again, even if they are unable to do so unaided.

  • Improve Rehabilitation
    With the assistance of exoskeleton suits, physical therapy can be more effective by allowing patients to practise walking and other movements in a more natural, supported way.

  • Increase Independence
    For some patients, the therapy can reduce dependence on wheelchairs or other mobility aids, allowing for greater independence in daily activities.

  • Reduce the Risk of Secondary Complications
    Prolonged immobility can lead to complications such as pressure sores, muscle atrophy, and bone density loss. The therapy helps mitigate these risks by enabling regular movement.

When to Do Exoskeleton Therapy

Exoskeleton therapy works best when it is part of a complete rehabilitation program soon after an injury or diagnosis that affects mobility. However, it can also help people with long-term mobility issues who want to improve their quality of life.

 

The timing of the therapy should be decided by a healthcare professional based on the person’s specific needs and rehabilitation goals. Regular monitoring ensures that the therapy remains effective and aligned with the patient’s progress.

Where to Do Exoskeleton Therapy

Therapy is usually done in specialised rehab centres or hospitals that have the right equipment and trained staff to provide the therapy safely and effectively. Some advanced home-use exoskeletons are also available, allowing patients to continue their therapy outside of a clinical setting.

 

However, it is recommended to perform exoskeleton therapy at a centre with a professional, as they can provide proper guidance, make necessary adjustments, and ensure safety throughout the process.

Types of Exoskeletons

There are three main exoskeleton suits that focus on different needs:

Powered Exoskeletons

These are motorised and provide mechanical assistance to help the user with movements like walking, standing, or even climbing stairs. They are most commonly used in rehabilitation and for assisting those with severe mobility impairments.

Passive Exoskeletons

These do not have motors or electronics but use springs and other mechanical means to provide support. They are less common in therapy and more often used in industrial settings to reduce strain on workers.

Soft Exoskeletons

These are made of flexible materials, offering a more comfortable fit and allowing for a wider range of motion. They are particularly useful for individuals who need assistance but still have some degree of voluntary movement.

Conclusion

Whether you are just starting or continuing your therapy, knowing the basics helps you make the most of this innovative treatment and stay focused on your progress.

Need our help with your physical therapy? Reach out to KJ Therapy in Singapore now!

Explore Our Product

Take a look at our collection of exoskeleton robot and devices that are focused in helping stroke patient back up on their feet.

UGO Exoskeleton Robot

Designed for patients with spinal cord injury, ,stroke, muscle, weakness and other neurological diseases caused by lower limb motor dysfunction.

KidsGO Exoskeleton Robot

Kid’s exoskeleton robot is an intelligent rehabilitation training device for improving abnormal motor function of lower limbs


QQ 浏览器 (XZ-Driod Smart)

Required for user by those with extremely low bone mineral density, severe joint deformities and pressure sores or unhealed pressure sores.

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