Robot Assisted-Walking Therapy
23.01.2019

Robot Assisted-Walking Therapy

Robotic walking unit

There is a robotic walking unit in our Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic, for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients who lost their walking ability, because of some neurological and orthopedic diseases such as traumatic brain injury, stroke spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy.

How robot assisted-walking therapy is effective in learning to walk again?

In studies conducted, in persons affected by injury and or the pattern of post-disease walking, recurrent gait movement helps the brain and spinal cord by following a new stimulation site. While the therapy sessions requiring intensive power were used as a group of physiotherapists for locomotic treatment up to now, the robotic gait system enabled the patients to apply a regular application at normal walking patterns and rates over a long period of time. The rate of the treatment success increases with the regular exercises.

What is being done in our unit?

This automatic electromechanical gait system, which is used in walking rehabilitation of adult and pediatric patients, can be performed walking movements similar to normal gait. The system, which can be used in adult and pediatric patients, is an electromechanical gait system that offers the patient the standard walking pattern, which is effective in strengthening muscle groups, load transfer, balance, biofeedback, motor learning, restoration of functionality, and coordination. In the robot system used for patients with walking difficulties, the patient is able to walk in a similar manner to the normal walking style by means of robotic parts placed on both sides of the legs after a walking belt is lifted up by means of hangers. The body weight, the pace and the shape of walking can controling with a computer program, the patient, can monitor his status accros the virtual reality screen. The most important advantage of the system is that it makes the movements very similar to normal walking and constantly stimulates the centers of the brain. With this method, the healing process of the patients is accelerated as well as walking patterns develop in a manner near to normal.

Who can apply?

Patients with stroke, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and accidental brain injury and patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or orthopedic diseases are referred to outpatient and rehabilitation clinics, after the clinical evaluation of the patients, the patients who are suitable for the robotic rehabilitation program are identified and treated.