Doctors for High-Risk Pregnancy

The robot-assisted walking device, also known as Lokomat, is designed to help individuals who have severe limited walking ability due to an accident or an injury or an illness. During the assisted walking device therapy, the person is suspended with a harness on the frame of the robot over a treadmill. Straps are attached on the outer side of the legs, which helps in moving the legs according to the natural gait. The pace of walking and body's response is measured by the computer attached to the device. It is believed that the repetitive walking pattern helps the brain and spinal cord to work together to re-route the signals that were interrupted by an injury or illness. Currently walking therapy is done with the help of two or more therapist who helps the patient to move their legs in walking pattern. Regular therapy will help in coordinating brain and spinal cord and also strengthen muscles and improve blood circulation. The effectiveness of the therapy differs from person to person, but generally, patients are required to commit to a minimum of 60 minutes of therapy per day, three to four times a week, for four to eight weeks. Regular evaluations help in determining the term of the therapy. The result of the therapy is not guaranteed. However, periodic evaluation helps to measure and determine the number of sessions to help the patient achieve the maximum benefit of the therapy.