The Lokomat Machine- The Next Generation
ROBOTICS AND BIOFEEDBACK HELP PARALYZED:
THE LOKOMAT MACHINE - THE NEXT GENERATION
Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer has received the new and unique version of the Lokomat Machine which, with the aid of a computerized robot enables improved movement and most importantly the ability to walk among the population who have suffered spinal cord or head injury. This new version includes a number of improvements, most prominent among them a biofeedback system, which significantly improves the efficiency of methods of treatment and naturally their results as well.
The Lokomat Machine, developed by a group of scientists at the Rehabilitation Center at Balgrist University in Zurich, is a treatment and exercise device for people who are suffering from impaired walking following an injury to the nervous system. The Lokomat has two arms which support the lower limbs, a computer which is responsible for operating the arms, a moving conveyor belt and an apparatus to support body weight. The walking movements are determined by physiological components which have been programmed into the machine's computer. Optical sensors help patients control the quality of their exercise walk. Use of the Lokomat allows walking exercise using a pattern that closely resembles correct walking.
The use of the Lokomat well actualizes the new theoretical basis of rehabilitative locomotion: intensive task specific/goal oriented activity.
The reason for this is the ability of the spinal cord to adapt itself, to recall and relearn patterns of movement even in the absence of influence of the "higher" centers found in the brain.
The machine is aimed at two types of populations:
- People who have the capacity to move their legs but are unable to walk. For these people, the Lokomat improves their ability by training and reminding the responsible cells in the spinal cord, the patterns for correct walking.
- Completely paralyzed paraplegics. The Lokomat enables them passive walking exercises which reduces muscular tension, prevents calcium loss and improves the functioning of the heart and lungs.
The Lokomat is part of a wide range of advanced methods, equipment and technologies that are integrated into the "Steps" Institute at the rehabilitation hospital at Sheba Medical Center, for example: A combination of walking on a conveyor belt while carrying only partial weight, exercising on a bicycle with the help of a functional electrical stimulus etc. The treatment given at "Steps" is aimed at a wide range of limitations, among them spinal cord injury, stroke, head injury, neuro-muscular disease and brain damage.
