Exoskeleton-assisted Neurorehabilitation

Exoskeleton-assisted Neurorehabilitation: Current Perspectives and Future Directions - A Pilot Study

• Objective assesment of the feasibility of integrating the Ekso Bionics - Ekso NR device into outpatient care
• Objective assesment of quality of life, functionality and clinical symptomps of patients with stroke, cerebellar ataxia, spinal cord injury, and spastic paraparesis
• Comparison of measured data and follow-up of changes in relation to themselves and each other
• Analyzing the effects of the exoskeleton among the patients
• Assessing the safety, possible side effects and tolerability of the EksoNR

Inclusion Criteria:

• confirmed diagnosis of spinal cord injury (at or below the C4 level)
• having cerebellar ataxia diagnosis
• confirmed spastic paraparesis
• ischemic stroke

Exclusion Criteria:

• height below 150 cm or above 190 cm
• body weight exceeded 100 kg
• multiple strokes in medical history
• systolic blood pressure less than 120 or higher than 160 mmHg
• orthostatic hypotension
• arotid artery stenosis
• severe heart disease
• hemophilia
• traumatic brain injury
• seizure disorder
• untreated diabetes
• abnormal electroencephalography
• abnormal blood panel
• use of sedatives
• irregular medication use
• severe aphasia (Western Aphasia Battery ≤ 25)
• severe visual or hearing impairment
• severe sensory dysfunction
• severe orthopedic problems
• alcoholism
• drug use
• smoking after diagnosis of stroke
• unable to walk at least 10 m with or without assistance in 6 minutes
• BBS score ≤ 32
• BI score ≤ 70
• current participation in individual or group exercise program outside of standard physical therapy