Robotic devices and virtual reality are increasingly becoming a part of modern medicine. One of the areas where robotic technology is used is rehabilitation. Especially in neurological rehabilitation, the process of recovery and restoration of function can be accelerated with the help of different robotic devices. Better results can be obtained when these robotic technologies are used in combination with classical physical therapy and rehabilitation methods. One of the most common devices used in robotic rehabilitation is walking robots. The gait robot is one of the devices with the most advanced technological innovations among these assistive devices.
What is a walking robot?
Gait robot is a robotic gait rehabilitation system used to regain and improve walking ability in cases of loss of walking ability caused by traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes, neurological or orthopedic causes. It is a treatment option that takes most of the patient's body weight, allowing the joints to move freely and aims to regain the normal walking pattern.
How does it work?
The concept of "task-specific learning" based on neuroplasticity argues that through continuous repetition and intensive training, the activities of daily life can be acquired and improved through training. Robotic gait robot therapy meets this demand. In studies, it has been shown that in patients whose walking pattern has been affected after injury or disease, new stimulation pathways are formed with repetitive walking movement, helping the brain and spinal cord to work. Functional movement and sensory stimulation play an important role in the neurological rehabilitation of patients with MS (multiple sclerosis), cerebral palsy or other neurological diseases, as well as stroke, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.
How does the Walking Robot work?
The patient to be treated is first taken into the device through the carrier garment worn on the body. After the body weight is completely transferred to the device, robotic walking apparatus is attached to the patient's legs. The patient is started to walk by transferring a partial load on the treadmill to form a normal walking pattern. Robotic walkers aim to elicit and strengthen active movement during walking with the help of their sensors. Meanwhile, the patient can follow his/her gait in the mirror in front of him/her or on a virtual reality screen.
What are the advantages of robotic gait therapy?
The most important advantage of the robotic walking system is that it makes movements very similar to normal walking and constantly stimulates the centers in the brain. With this method, the healing process of the patients is accelerated and their walking patterns develop close to normal.
- Longer and more intensive functional training sessions result in rapid improvements that are incomparably faster than with manual therapies.
- Eliminates physical fatigue of the therapist. One therapist is sufficient for use.
- The patient's walking activity is easily monitored and evaluated.
- The gait pattern and supporting forces can be individually adjusted according to the patient's needs to adapt to functional training.
- Enhanced patient motivation through visualized performance feedback.
- Computerized assessment scales make it possible to obtain easy and reproducible measurements of patient progress.
- If necessary, it is easy to switch from robotic to manual gait training.
Who can benefit from robotic walking therapy?
The primary goal of robotic gait therapy is to improve lost or impaired walking ability. For this purpose, robotic gait therapy can be used in many neurological and orthopedic disorders that impair walking ability, especially traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, stroke and other neurological disorders.
Can pediatric patients undergo robotic gait therapy?
Thanks to the Walking Robot Pro device with pediatric orthotics, pediatric patients with impaired walking function due to cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury or other neurological disorders can be trained in robotic gait training. The special apparatus developed for children ensures comfort and optimal adaptability for these patients, making it possible to achieve the same functional benefits as the adult version. The Pediatric Gait Robot is successfully used in the rehabilitation of pediatric patients with gait disorders from about 4 years of age.